bad actor

== English == === Pronunciation === === Noun === bad actor (plural bad actors) (idiomatic, law) An individual or entity with a prior criminal conviction, or who has been sanctioned by the court or regulator. (idiomatic) A person with malicious intent. (idiomatic) An ill-intentioned, mean, badly behaved or ill-tempered person. [from 19th c.] Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see bad,‎ actor. ==== Usage notes ==== In the legal sense "bad actor" is also used in financial regulations, e.g., not allowing such people or companies to participate in certain regulated processes, or to take advantage of certain privileges. Often used antonymously with "upstanding citizen". ==== Synonyms ==== (law): criminal, wrongdoer, malefactor