What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
felony
Example
He was charged with felony assault after attacking the victim with a weapon. [felony: noun]
Example
The judge sentenced him to ten years in prison for committing a felony. [felony: adjective]
misdeed
Example
She apologized for her misdeed and promised not to repeat it. [misdeed: noun]
Example
He was scolded by his parents for his misdeeds at school. [misdeeds: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Misdeed is less common than felony in everyday language. Felony is a legal term used in the criminal justice system and is more commonly used in formal contexts, while misdeed is a more informal term used in casual conversations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between felony and misdeed?
Felony is a more formal term that is typically used in legal or official contexts, while misdeed is a less formal term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.