An unintentional breach of duty that is the proximate cause of harm is:

The term that describes an unintentional breach of duty leading to harm is negligence. This concept is central to tort law, which addresses situations where a party's failure to exercise reasonable care results in injury or damage to another party. In cases of negligence, key elements must be established: the existence of a duty of care owed to the injured party, a breach of that duty, and a direct causal link between the breach and the harm suffered.

In this context, negligence is characterized by an absence of intent or willfulness. It focuses on the conduct of the individuals involved and whether they acted as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. If a person's actions fail to meet this standard of care and cause harm, the law typically holds them accountable for negligence. This concept is important because it helps to protect individuals and entities from the repercussions of negligent behaviors, prompting them to act responsibly.

On the other hand, misfeasance refers to the improper performance of a lawful act, which could potentially involve intent or knowledge of wrongdoing. Willful and wanton conduct involves a higher degree of culpability, where the actor demonstrates a disregard for the safety of others. Malfeasance signifies the commission of an unlawful act, which also diverges from the