conflict of interest

noun [C or U] (plural conflicts of interest)

Definition

› LAW a situation in which someone cannot make a fair decision because they will be personally affected by the result: The mayor is himself involved in local businesses and has been accused of a conflict of interest.have/declare/avoid a conflict of interest Board members are required to declare a conflict of interest in the case of any contract that benefits that member's family.create/present/pose a conflict of interest Working for two companies need not necessarily pose a conflict of interest.

(Definition of conflict of interest noun from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)