corruption

word

/kɝˈəpʃən/
kuh-RUHP-shuhn
/kəɹˈʌpʃən/
kuh-RUHP-shuhn

Definition

Corruption is the act of using power dishonestly for personal gain, often involving bribery, cheating, or illegal actions. It can also refer to the decay or loss of integrity in something.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly in politics or business ('government corruption', 'political corruption') but can be used for moral or data 'corruption'. Formal term; in tech, 'data corruption' means damaged data. Not used to describe a person directly, but 'corrupt official' is common.

Example Sentences

The police are investigating government corruption.

basic

Corruption is a big problem in many countries.

basic

Bribery is one form of corruption.

basic

After years of corruption, the company finally went bankrupt.

natural

People are tired of all the political corruption.

natural

We lost important information because of data corruption.

natural