Corruption

noun

/kəˈrʌpʃən/

The abuse of entrusted power for private gain — encompassing bribery, extortion, fraud, embezzlement, nepotism, cronyism, conflict of interest, and influence peddling by public officials or private actors.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Endemic corruption in public procurement not only siphons away scarce developmental resources but also corrodes citizens' trust in the very institutions meant to serve them, making the strengthening of the Lokpal and digital transparency mechanisms an ethical and administrative imperative.

Synonyms

briberygraftvenalitydishonestymalfeasancefraud

Antonyms

integrityhonestyprobityrectitude

🌱 Word Family

corruption (n), corrupt (adj/v), corrupted (adj), corruptly (adv), corruptible (adj), incorruptible (adj)

🔡 Root

Latin com- = together + rumpere = to break → corrumpere = to destroy, bribe → corruptio = breaking down

📜 Etymology

From Latin corruptio, from corrumpere ("to break to pieces, destroy, bribe"), from com- ("together") + rumpere ("to break").

🧠 Memory Hook

From Latin com- + rumpere "to break" — corruption is when officials let their morals "rupt" (rupture/break), breaking the public trust for private gain.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2025 — Constitutional Bodies
Prelims 2019 — Multilateral Agreements
Mains 2023 · GS4 · 10 marks — Ethics in Public Administration
Mains 2023 · GS4 · 20 marks — Ethics in Public Administration
Mains 2022 · GS4 · 10 marks — Ethics in Public Administration
Mains 2022 · GS4 · 20 marks — Ethics in Public Administration

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Corruption” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

🏛️ Governance 📖 Seen in: Lokpal, Lokayuktas & Anti-Corruption F...

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