completely corrupt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely corrupt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is entirely dishonest or unethical, often in a political or organizational context. Example: "The investigation revealed that the officials were completely corrupt, taking bribes and misusing public funds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The new government quickly proved itself to be, in Hitchens's words, "completely corrupt and cynical" — backing President Johnson on Vietnam, for example.

The New Yorker

Long before Daley took office, Chicago had established itself, in A. J. Liebling's words, as "the only completely corrupt city in America".

The New Yorker

However, it can be true that Schiller spoke somewhat out of school and that O'Keefe's doctoring of the tape was completely corrupt and unethical.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In Spain there is a political class that, at best, doesn't understand the needs of civil society, and at worst is completely corrupt and bankrupt.

The Guardian

"The government is completely corrupt," says one of the protesters.In this section Digging for victory Key change for Kiwis Secular trends All right then, just this once Crowning glory Eyes on the road For hire Anyone for toss the laptop?

The Economist

Protestantism and the Enlightenment "created a new historiography of the church, claiming that it was not just stained by sin but completely corrupt, so the church had to build up a Catholic historiography to combat it," he explained.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

One former N.S.A. consultant recalled "alarmist memos and e-mails" from Mr. Drake, including one that declared of the agency: "The place is almost completely corrupted".

The New York Times

"I just looked back to that very pure period that was completely corrupted by becoming a published author, when your relationship was utterly between you and books.

The Guardian - Books

It was too late to teach him what a wild whale needs to know, and he repeatedly demonstrated an alarming preference for frozen fish over fresh, suggesting that his tastes had become completely corrupted by two decades in a fishbowl.

The New Yorker

Despite the fact that our culture has by now completely corrupted and trivialized the concept of "the spirit animal," I'd like to recommend that America take the coyote as her totem.

The New Yorker

"Of course, we live in a completely corrupted world where every government is just a bunch of businessmen working for a bunch of bigger businessmen and none of them give a shit about the people," he says.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing institutions or systems, use "completely corrupt" to emphasize the pervasive nature of unethical behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "completely corrupt" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for less severe alternatives like "dishonest" or "unethical" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely corrupt" functions primarily as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe its state of being entirely dishonest or unethical. Ludwig shows it used in contexts to describe institutions, governments or systems.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "completely corrupt" serves as a powerful descriptor for something entirely dishonest or unethical. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and frequent use in news and media contexts make it a valuable term for expressing strong disapproval. While highly descriptive, its use should be reserved for situations where the intensity of the corruption warrants such strong language. Be mindful of the audience and context, opting for less severe alternatives in informal settings. Remember, effective communication lies in choosing the words that most accurately convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly dishonest

Emphasizes the lack of honesty.

totally unethical

Focuses on the violation of ethical principles.

entirely fraudulent

Highlights the deceitful nature.

thoroughly immoral

Stresses the lack of moral principles.

absolutely untrustworthy

Focuses on the lack of reliability and integrity.

wholly compromised

Indicates a loss of integrity or impartiality.

irreparably tainted

Emphasizes the permanent damage to reputation or integrity.

systematically corrupted

Highlights a widespread corruption

rotten to the core

Implies deeply ingrained corruption.

morally bankrupt

Focuses on the lack of moral values and principles.

FAQs

How can I use "completely corrupt" in a sentence?

You can use "completely corrupt" to describe systems or individuals that are entirely dishonest. For example, "The investigation revealed a "completely corrupt" network of officials."

What are some alternatives to "completely corrupt"?

Alternatives include "utterly dishonest", "totally unethical", or "entirely fraudulent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "completely corrupt"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something or someone is thoroughly and without exception, dishonest or unethical. It's often used in serious contexts, like discussing political or financial scandals.

What's the difference between "corrupt" and "completely corrupt"?

"Completely corrupt" implies a total lack of integrity, while "corrupt" suggests a state of dishonesty that may not be all-encompassing. The addition of "completely" intensifies the degree of corruption.