bad actor
English
Pronunciation
Audio (AU): (file)
Noun
bad actor (plural bad actors)
- (idiomatic, law) Individual or entity with the prior criminal conviction, or who has been sanctioned by the court or regulator.
- (idiomatic) Ill-intentioned, mean, ill-tempered person.
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see bad, actor.
Synonyms
- (law): criminal, wrongdoer, malefactor
Usage notes
In the legal sense "bad actor" is also used in financial regulations, ex. not allowing such people or companies to participate in certain regulated processes, or to take advantage of certain privileges. Often used as opposed to "an upstanding citizen".