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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
embezzled
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "embezzled" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of describing the act of wrongfully taking or misappropriating funds or property entrusted to one's care, often in a professional or financial setting. Example: "The accountant was found guilty of embezzling funds from the company over several years."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Ukraine has Europe's second-highest HIV rate, with 230,000 Ukrainians infected with the virus, yet in 2012 and 2013 more than a fifth of the budget for anti-retrovirals was embezzled through rigged auctions.
News & Media
Allegations that he has embezzled huge amounts of American aid need to be investigated.
News & Media
The mystery is perhaps not the 43% that was embezzled, but the millions in central-government funds that were left on the table by a local administrative machinery too apathetic even to steal with much conviction.According to Sushil Modi, Bihar's deputy chief minister, the biggest problem for all the poorer states is "the crisis of implementation".
News & Media
The disgruntled could punish a leader they considered unfair with a "fine" of 400 shillings, but exacting the punishment was not free: the citizen had to pay 100 shillings to do so.As loss-aversion theory predicts, embezzled tax provoked greater anger than stolen aid.
News & Media
Two years ago, China cracked down on cross-border gambling appealing to neighbouring countries to close down casinos, banning travel agents from offering gambling tours, restricting foreign visits by officials after one official allegedly embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars of government funds and gambled the money away at the casino in Rajin-Sonbong.
News & Media
Then, in 1871, a fire in Chicago and the ensuing stockmarket collapse undid him: Yerkes was found to have embezzled funds that he was holding for the city of Philadelphia.
News & Media
The vetting procedure may have been compromised too; those asked to remove warlords from the list found their phones buzzing with death threats.In July a UN report concluded that transitional leaders embezzled seven out of every ten dollars they received.
News & Media
Reports of funds embezzled and assets spirited away are still frequent but the government has been setting a fair example.
News & Media
Another top official in the rail ministry was later dismissed for corruption, and state auditors said millions had been embezzled from the high-speed network.That story has some echoes in Brazil, where an orgy of ministerial sackings has been in full swing.
News & Media
But the local union branch is currently in disarray after accusations that union officials embezzled as much as $5m.The White House is also determined to shake up the city's schools.
News & Media
One of Congo's vice-presidents, a Tutsi, threatened to quit government and take up arms to defend Tutsis.See articleSwitzerland decided to hand back to Nigeria $500m allegedly embezzled by the late dictator Sani Abacha and stashed in Swiss accounts.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "embezzled", ensure the context clearly indicates a breach of trust where someone in a position of authority or responsibility misappropriated funds or assets.
Common error
Avoid using "embezzled" when the act doesn't involve a breach of trust or fiduciary duty. "Stolen" is more appropriate for general theft where no such relationship exists.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The term "embezzled" functions primarily as a verb, specifically the past tense and past participle of "embezzle". It describes the action of fraudulently appropriating funds or property by someone entrusted with their care. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.
Frequent in
News & Media
70%
Encyclopedias
20%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Reference
3%
Academia
1%
Science
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The word "embezzled" is the past tense of the verb "embezzle" and is used to describe the act of misappropriating funds or assets entrusted to someone. Ludwig AI validates that the term is grammatically correct and widely used. Its use implies a breach of trust and often appears in news reports and formal settings. Related terms include "misappropriated funds" and "defalcated money", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "embezzled", ensure the context involves a violation of trust, distinguishing it from general theft.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
misappropriated funds
Refers to using funds for an unauthorized purpose; slightly broader than "embezzled".
defalcated money
Implies a breach of trust involving financial funds; a more formal term.
peculated funds
Specifically refers to the theft or misuse of money or property, especially public funds.
misused assets
Indicates improper use of resources; covers a broader range of assets than just money.
stolen funds
A more general term for taking money without permission, lacking the element of trust inherent in "embezzled".
pilfered money
Suggests petty theft or stealing in small amounts.
converted funds
Implies changing the purpose or form of funds, often illegally.
diverted assets
Indicates redirecting resources from their intended use.
swindled funds
Suggests obtaining money by fraud or deceit.
fraudulently obtained
Indicates gaining something through deception; less specific to funds.
FAQs
What does "embezzled" mean?
"Embezzled" means to dishonestly appropriate or convert money or property entrusted to one's care, typically in a professional or fiduciary capacity.
What are some synonyms for "embezzled"?
Some synonyms for "embezzled" include "misappropriated funds", "defalcated money", and "peculated funds". The best choice depends on the specific context.
How is "embezzled" different from "stolen"?
"Embezzled" implies a breach of trust where someone with access to funds or assets misappropriates them. "Stolen" is a more general term for taking something without permission and doesn't necessarily involve a breach of trust.
How do you use "embezzled" in a sentence?
You can say, "The accountant was accused of having "misappropriated funds" from the company accounts" or "The politician was found guilty of having "embezzled" campaign contributions".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested