Corruptness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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corruptness
[kəˈrʌptnəs ]
Definitions
general
The quality or state of being corrupt; dishonesty, immorality.
Synonyms
corruption, dishonesty, immorality.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| corruptness |
This word is less common and might be used to emphasize the state or quality of being corrupt. It is often used in more formal or legal contexts.
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| dishonesty |
Use this word to describe a general lack of honesty or integrity in someone's behavior. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts, and it does not necessarily involve illegal actions.
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| immorality |
This term is used to describe actions or behavior that go against moral principles. It is often used in religious, philosophical, or ethical discussions.
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| corruption |
This word is commonly used to describe unethical or illegal behavior by a person or organization, often involving bribery. It is widely used in discussions about politics, business, and law.
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Examples of usage
- The corruptness of the government officials was exposed by the media.
- The corruptness of the company's CEO led to its downfall.
legal
The act of corrupting or being corrupted; bribery, fraud.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| corruptness |
This word is used to describe the general state or condition of being morally degenerate or dishonest. It is often used in a broad sense to describe the overall lack of integrity in a person, organization, or system.
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| bribery |
This term is specific to the act of giving or receiving something of value in exchange for some kind of influence or action in return, especially to do something illegal or unethical. This word focuses on the act of offering or accepting bribes.
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| fraud |
Fraud involves deceit or trickery for financial or personal gain. It can refer to a variety of dishonest actions, such as lying, forging documents, or misstating financial information. This word is often used in legal and financial contexts.
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| graft |
This term is similar to bribery but often implies the corrupt use of public office or position for personal gain. Graft typically involves the misuse of authority and is often associated with political corruption.
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Examples of usage
- The corruptness of the judge was revealed during the investigation.
- The corruptness of the police officer resulted in his dismissal.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'The Godfather' and 'Scarface' portray corruptness in organized crime, illustrating how it affects individuals and society.
- The popular video game series 'Assassin's Creed' often features corrupt political leaders as central characters to challenge.
- Books such as 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell showcase how corruptness can seep into systems and lead to oppression.
Law & Politics
- Corruptness is often associated with bribery, where individuals use money or gifts to influence decisions, especially in political contexts.
- Organizations like Transparency International monitor levels of corruptness in countries globally, providing an annual 'Corruption Perceptions Index'.
- Some countries have anti-corruption agencies dedicated to preventing or punishing corrupt acts, stressing the importance of integrity.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that when individuals are placed in positions of power, the likelihood of corrupt behavior increases due to reduced accountability.
- Cognitive dissonance often occurs in those engaging in corrupt actions, as they experience inner conflict between their values and their actions.
- The phenomenon of 'moral disengagement' allows individuals to justify corrupt actions by distancing themselves from the consequences.
History
- Throughout history, many powerful leaders have been accused of corruptness, leading to revolutions, such as the American and French Revolutions.
- The fall of ancient Rome has often been attributed to widespread corruptness amongst officials, which weakened governmental authority.
- The Watergate scandal in the 1970s highlighted political corruptness in the United States, resulting in the resignation of President Nixon.
Origin of 'corruptness'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'corrupt' comes from the Latin 'corrumpere' meaning 'to break together' or 'to bribe'.
- In English, it began to be used in the late 14th century, originally referring to moral decline and later to financial wrongdoing.
- The suffix '-ness' transforms an adjective ('corrupt') into a noun, indicating the state or quality of being corrupt.
The word "corruptness" originated from the late Middle English word "corruptnesse", which is derived from the Latin word "corruptio" meaning decay or depravity. The concept of corruption has been present throughout history, with instances of corrupt practices documented in ancient civilizations. Over time, laws and regulations have been implemented to combat corruptness in various sectors, such as government, business, and law enforcement.
See also: corrupt, corrupted, corrupter, corrupting, corruption, corruptor.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,758, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.