What is a private wrongdoing that harms another person or entity called?

A private wrongdoing that harms another person or entity is referred to as a tort. This term encompasses a wide range of unlawful actions that result in damage or injury to another party, and the injured party can seek legal remedies through a civil lawsuit. Torts can arise from various situations, including negligence, intentional acts, or strict liability, and they play a crucial role in civil law by addressing personal injuries, property damage, and other harms.

In contrast, negligence specifically refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care, which can lead to unintentional harm but is just one type of tort. A violation generally pertains to contraventions of laws or regulations, while a breach typically refers to the violation of a contractual obligation. Therefore, while these concepts can overlap, tort is the most comprehensive term that encapsulates private wrongdoing causing harm to another.