'Defalcation', 'Embezzlement', 'Misappropriation', and 'Money Laundering'?

[Mehrgan]

Hi,
I'd truly appreciate it if anyone could kindly tell me what the differences are. Best wishes!

 

[Rover_KE]

Your dictionary should have made it clear that the first three mean the same, in descending order of formality, along with the even blunter 'theft'.

As for money laundering, read post #6 here.

Rover

 

[SoothingDave]

I've never seen the word "defalcation," so don't use that one if you expect to be understood in AmE.

 

[Rover_KE]

I've never seen the word "defalcation," so don't use that one if you expect to be understood in AmE.

Perhaps other Americans know the word, Dave. It's right there in Merriam-Webster.

 

[abaka]

Oh, it's in the dictionary all right. But the purpose of speaking is to be understood, not to force others to run for the word-lists.