Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or state of being susceptible to corruption: The inherent capability or tendency of a person, system, or thing to become dishonest, morally depraved, or to act against integrity, especially through bribery or undue influence.
   • The potential for decay or perversion: The inherent possibility of being led astray from a sound, original, or honest condition into a state of dishonesty, immorality, or ineffectiveness.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The investigation focused on the corruptibility of the officials in the licensing department.
  • A system with strong oversight is designed to minimize its own corruptibility.
  • The novel explores the corruptibility of even the most idealistic human beings when faced with absolute power.

Advanced Usage

• "Inherent corruptibility": The built-in or fundamental susceptibility to corruption within a system or concept.
  • Philosophers have long debated the inherent corruptibility of political power.
• "A test of corruptibility": A situation or temptation designed to reveal how easily someone can be corrupted.
  • The sudden offer of wealth served as a test of his corruptibility.

Variants and Related Words

• Corrupt (adj/verb): Dishonest or willing to act dishonestly for personal gain; to cause someone or something to become dishonest or morally unsound.
  • The corrupt official accepted bribes.
• Corruption (noun): The act or process of making someone or something corrupt; dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power.
  • The country is struggling with widespread political corruption.
• Incorruptibility (noun): The quality of being incapable of being corrupted; total honesty and integrity.
  • The judge was known for his stern incorruptibility.

Synonyms

• Venality: Susceptibility to bribery; readiness to sell one's services or influence for money.
• Bribability: The specific quality of being open to accepting bribes.
• Susceptibility: The state of being easily influenced or affected by something (a more general term).

Antonyms

• Incorruptibility: The quality of being immune to corruption; integrity.
• Probity: The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.
• Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Moral fiber: The inner strength to act correctly and resist temptation, often discussed in contrast to corruptibility.
  • The scandal revealed a shocking lack of moral fiber in the institution's leadership.
• Achilles' heel: A critical weakness that could lead to downfall, which can be a person's corruptibility.
  • His ambition was his Achilles' heel, making him vulnerable to corruptibility.

Noun

1. the capability of being corrupted