corruption
18 synonyms and 6 antonyms for corruption, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Dishonest or illegal behavior, especially by people in power, such as bribery.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use corruption
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed from French corruption, from Latin corruptio — from the same root as "corrupt".
Full origin of corruption →Frequently asked questions
What does “corruption” mean?
The word “corruption” means dishonest or illegal behavior, especially by people in power, such as bribery. In plain terms, dishonest abuse of power for personal benefit, or damage to information/data.
How do you pronounce “corruption”?
“Corruption” is pronounced kuh-RUHP-shuhn (/kəˈɹʌpʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “corruption” in a sentence?
Here is “corruption” used in a sentence: “The report exposed widespread corruption in city government.”
What is another word for “corruption”?
Words with a similar meaning to “corruption” include rent-seeking, abasement, adulteration, debasement, debauchment and defilement.
What is the opposite of “corruption”?
The opposite of “corruption” — its antonyms — are exaltation, expiation, preservation, purgation and purification.
What part of speech is “corruption”?
“Corruption” is a noun.
Where does the word “corruption” come from?
The word “corruption” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French corruption, from Latin corruptio — from the same root as "corrupt".
Is “corruption” a common word?
“Corruption” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between corruption and bribery?
Bribery is one specific form of corruption, involving offering or accepting something of value in exchange for improper favours. Corruption is the broader term for dishonest or illegal conduct by people in power, of which bribery is just one example.
What is the difference between corruption and fraud?
Fraud is deception carried out for personal gain and can be committed against anyone. Corruption specifically involves the abuse of an entrusted position or public power, such as an official taking bribes.
What are common collocations with 'corruption'?
In the ethical sense, common phrases include political corruption, a corruption scandal, and rooting out corruption. In computing, you often see file corruption, data corruption, and disk corruption.