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Plagiarism refers to the act of presenting someone else's work or ideas as one's own, without proper attribution. This can include copying text, images, music, or any other form of creative expression. Plagiarism is a serious academic and ethical offense, often carrying significant penalties. It undermines the integrity of intellectual property and can damage the reputation of the plagiarist.

There are several forms of plagiarism. Direct plagiarism involves copying material verbatim without citation. Mosaic plagiarism, also known as patchwriting, occurs when a person rephrases or paraphrases someone else's work but still uses the original structure and ideas without proper acknowledgment. Accidental plagiarism can happen due to carelessness or a misunderstanding of citation rules, though intent does not always excuse the act. Self-plagiarism, or the reuse of one's own previously published work without indication, is also considered a form of academic dishonesty.

Detecting plagiarism is often done through software that compares submitted work against a vast database of existing texts. Educational institutions and publishers typically have strict policies against plagiarism, and consequences can range from failing a course to expulsion or legal action. The core principle behind avoiding plagiarism is giving credit where credit is due, respecting the intellectual contributions of others.