Corrupt: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone, often in a position of power, who is willing to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain.

• The corrupt politician accepted bribes from various corporations.
• The company was discovered to be corrupt, engaging in illegal business practices.

Refers to someone who engages in lying, stealing, or cheating. Generally used in a broader sense for everyday situations.

• He was dishonest about his qualifications on the job application.
• The dishonest employee was caught stealing from the cash register.

Used to describe actions that go against moral principles or professional standards. Typically not illegal but considered wrong.

• His unethical behavior at work raised many ethical concerns.
• Using confidential information for personal gain is highly unethical.

Describes someone who deliberately conceals or misrepresents the truth to mislead others.

• Her deceitful behavior caused a lot of trust issues in the relationship.
• The deceitful salesman tricked customers into buying defective products.

Specifically used to describe something that is fake or intended to deceive, especially in legal or financial contexts.

• The fraudulent scheme led to a huge financial loss for investors.
• She was charged with fraudulent activities after forging signatures.

This word is often used in legal or moral situations to describe someone or something that has been morally or ethically compromised. It can also refer to data or systems that become unusable or altered in a damaging way.

• The government's actions were deemed corrupt
• The file got corrupted and couldn't be opened

Often used to describe something that has been damaged or made impure, especially in more abstract contexts like reputation, character, or quality.

• The scandal tainted his reputation
• Their good name was tainted by the accusations

Use it when referring to a substance or thing that has been made impure or harmful by the addition of something unwanted. Often used in scientific, health, or environmental contexts.

• The water supply was contaminated by industrial waste
• Make sure not to contaminate the samples

Typically used in an environmental context to describe air, water, or land that has been made dirty or harmful by chemicals or waste.

• Factories that pollute the air should be regulated
• The river was heavily polluted with plastic waste

This word has a strong, negative connotation and is often used to describe something that has been desecrated or violated, especially in a sacred or highly respected context.

• The ancient temple was defiled by graffiti
• They defiled the memory of the hero