Which of the following describes the act of failing to perform professional services with the expected standard of care?

The act of failing to perform professional services with the expected standard of care is best described as malpractice. This term specifically refers to instances where a professional, such as a doctor, lawyer, or consultant, fails to meet the standards expected within their profession, which results in harm or damage to a client or patient.

Malpractice involves an element of professional judgment and expertise—highlighting that the individual was expected to perform at a certain threshold and did not. The concept typically includes a breach of duty and focuses on the standards recognized in the respective field. To establish malpractice, it's necessary to demonstrate that the professional's actions were not only below the accepted standards but also that these actions directly caused harm.

While negligence could also describe a failure to exercise reasonable care that results in damage or injury, it is a broader term that applies in various contexts and is not limited to professional environments. Liability generally refers to the legal responsibility for one’s actions or omissions and can encompass both malpractice and negligence. Incompetence refers to a lack of ability or skills to perform one's duties but does not specifically address the standard of care involved in professional fields. Thus, malpractice is the precise term that captures the essence of failing to adhere to professional standards.