Words / B2

k-uh-RUPT/kəˈrʌpt/

Corrupt means dishonest for money or power: a corrupt official, corrupt practices. Dishonest is everyday and wider; crooked is informal. Corrupt files are damaged so a computer cannot read them. Corruption is the noun. In speech, taking bribes / a damaged file covers the two senses. Do not call a rude person corrupt unless money or improper influence is involved, and keep the moral and the computer senses apart.

Meaning

Willing to act dishonestly in return for money or power; also, of files, damaged.

Examples

• “A corrupt official took money for licences.”
• “A corrupt licensing officer sold permits that should have been free.”
• “The attachment was corrupt, so nobody could open the timetable — the computer sense.”

Good to know

Dishonest for gain; also a damaged file. Everyday: taking bribes / the file won’t open. Noun: corruption. Not merely rude.

Near in meaning

dishonest

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