fundamentally corrupt

USAGE SUMMARY

'fundamentally corrupt' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is corrupt at its core. For example: The judicial system is fundamentally corrupt and justice is rarely served in these cases.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Second, American colonists believed that Parliament had become fundamentally corrupt.

University of California, Berkeley

The "Great World," including its institutions, are fundamentally corrupt and sinful.

The New York Times

Their lovemaking, blindly enacting postures of dominance and submission, was an imitation of rape and was fundamentally corrupt.

The New Yorker

Yet something must be done to end the fundamentally corrupt nature of the the issuer-pays system.

The New York Times

Mr Richards, who campaigned as "the man Labour don't want to face" is all of that; he once described Welsh councillors as short, fat, slimy and fundamentally corrupt.

The Economist

What she doesn't do is argue that the Democratic Party is a fundamentally corrupt institution that must be overcome if true change is to be achieved.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

He traced the disgrace of the News of the World to a "fundamentally corrupted relationship between politics, the media, and the police".

The Guardian - Opinion

Like Sanders and many American progressives who view DC as fundamentally corrupted by special interests, the leftwing Leave supporters think the EU benefits big corporations over working-class people.

The Guardian - Opinion

They know after last fall's collapse and the AIG bonus scandal that the American capitalism they believe in has been fundamentally corrupted, making it ripe for rip-offs.

Forbes

Earlier this week, Remain supporter Lord Adonis wrote to the BBC to make a formal complaint about its Brexit coverage, describing it as "fundamentally corrupted".

BBC

But they dispute the notion that the market has been fundamentally corrupted.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamentally corrupt" to describe systems, institutions, or entities where corruption is not just an anomaly, but an inherent part of their structure and operation.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamentally corrupt" to describe isolated incidents or individual acts of corruption; it's more fitting for characterizing the overall nature of an organization or system.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamentally corrupt" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that is corrupted at its core. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamentally corrupt" is a powerful descriptor used to convey that corruption is deeply ingrained within a system, organization, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting it's best suited for describing inherent issues rather than isolated incidents. It is found most frequently in news and media, followed by academic contexts, signifying its relevance in both reporting and scholarly analysis. While various alternatives exist, such as "inherently corrupt" or "systemically corrupt", "fundamentally corrupt" emphasizes the core nature of the corruption. Therefore, it is crucial to use it judiciously, ensuring the context accurately reflects pervasive and intrinsic corruption.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherently corrupt

Highlights that corruption is an intrinsic part of the entity's nature, not just a superficial aspect.

deeply corrupt

Emphasizes the profound extent and reach of corruption within a system or organization.

systemically corrupt

Indicates corruption is embedded in the structure and processes of an entire system.

thoroughly corrupt

Suggests corruption is pervasive and complete, affecting all levels or aspects.

radically corrupt

Implies corruption has taken root at the most basic or fundamental level.

irreversibly corrupt

Emphasizes the corruption's entrenchment, to a point it cannot be turned around.

rotten to the core

A more figurative way of saying that the most essential part of something is corrupted.

tainted at its source

Indicates the origin or foundation is corrupted, influencing all subsequent aspects.

institutionally corrupt

Highlights that the corruption is built in and supported by the institution.

morally bankrupt

Shifts the focus to the ethical or moral failings that underlie the corruption.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamentally corrupt" to describe systems or institutions. For instance, "The political system is "fundamentally corrupt", hindering fair governance".

What are some alternatives to "fundamentally corrupt"?

Alternatives include "inherently corrupt", "deeply corrupt", or "systemically corrupt", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "fundamentally corrupt" in formal writing?

Yes, "fundamentally corrupt" is suitable for formal writing when accurately describing a system or entity characterized by pervasive corruption, as evidenced by its usage in academic, news, and business contexts.

What distinguishes "fundamentally corrupt" from simply "corrupt"?

"Fundamentally corrupt" implies that corruption is an integral and intrinsic characteristic, affecting the core nature of what is being described, whereas "corrupt" can refer to more isolated instances or behaviors.