Definition

1. Noun:
   • Corrupt or dishonest behavior by public officials, especially involving the misuse of public power or resources for personal gain: "Jobbery" specifically refers to the practice where officials in positions of public trust engage in corrupt activities, such as favoritism, bribery, or fraudulent schemes, to benefit themselves or their associates.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The investigation revealed widespread jobbery in the city's contracting department.
  • Political reformers in the 19th century campaigned vigorously against jobbery and patronage.

Advanced Usage

• "Political jobbery": A common collocation emphasizing corruption within government or political appointments.
  • The scandal was a classic case of political jobbery, with contracts awarded to the mayor's friends.

Variants and Related Words

• Jobber (n): While historically meaning a wholesaler or middleman, in the context of corruption, it can refer to a person who engages in or facilitates jobbery. (Note: This is a distinct word and not a direct variant of "jobbery").
• Graft (n): A close synonym meaning the acquisition of money, gain, or advantage by dishonest, unfair, or illegal means, especially through the abuse of one's position or influence in politics or business.

Synonyms

• Corruption: Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power.
• Graft: As defined above.
• Malversation: Misconduct or corrupt behavior in a position of trust, especially in public office.
• Venality: The susceptibility to bribery or corruption.

Related Phrases

• "To engage in jobbery": To participate in corrupt official practices.
  • Officials who engage in jobbery undermine public trust.

Related Idioms

• "A jobbery scheme": A plan or operation designed for corrupt official gain.
  • The so-called development project was merely a jobbery scheme to enrich the council members.

Noun

1. corruptness among public officials