integrity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "integrity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person who is honest and has strong moral principles, and it can also be used to refer to the state of being whole and undivided. For example, you could say "John exhibited great integrity in standing up for what he believed in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A winner always remembers that his own survival is more important than maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.

The Guardian - Books

"Plunkett has paid a heavy price for putting his own interests above the integrity of the market and Barclays customerr.

The Guardian - Business

The president said the war in the country's east was not just about territorial integrity, but "global freedom, global democracy and global security".

The Guardian

I doubt if those behind the campaign against him knew or cared about the effect their actions were having on a man who put enormous value on integrity.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's the loss of integrity that hurts the most.

The Guardian

Then, at 21, Carlyle chanced upon a copy of The Crucible, Arthur Miller's classic tale of witchcraft, Macarthyism, public hysteria, and personal integrity.

The Guardian - Film

Ed Miliband said Warsi had acted with "principle and integrity" and he urged Cameron to re-think his position.

The Guardian

Well, actually: a 2005 State Department directive said "It is the Department's general policy that normal day-to-day operations be conducted on an authorized [Automated Information System], which has the proper level of security control to provide nonrepudiation, authentication and encryption, to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the resident information".

The Guardian

In fact, Frank's story addresses exactly this dilemma: between artistic integrity (and obscurity) and commercial success.

The Guardian - Film

"He continues to reject all claims of wrongdoing and we hold that the integrity of the court system was marred by the bias, slurs and factual inaccuracies in the election judgment".

The Guardian

Lighting up again, he says that throughout the disintegration of his marriage – with the ex he refuses to name here for reasons of privacy – he maintained his integrity and dignity, "for my children's sake".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "integrity" to emphasize the ethical foundation of a decision, policy, or action. Instead of merely stating something is effective, highlight its ethical soundness.

Common error

While "integrity" is a powerful word, avoid using it in overly casual or trivial contexts where simpler terms like "honesty" or "reliability" would suffice. Using "integrity" inappropriately can sound pretentious or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "integrity" is as a noun. It typically refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, or the state of being whole and undivided. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions effectively in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "integrity" functions as a noun denoting strong moral principles and ethical soundness. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable in diverse contexts. Its frequency is very common, particularly within news, business, and formal communications. The term carries a neutral to formal register, emphasizing trustworthiness and ethical behavior. To ensure effective communication, use "integrity" in contexts that genuinely warrant its weight, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Related terms include "honesty", "uprightness", and "moral principle", providing nuanced alternatives to convey similar meanings. The practical guidance is to use "integrity" in relation to ethical decisions and abstract political terms, instead, the error to avoid is to overuse "integrity" in informal contexts where other similar words like "honesty" would be better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

honesty and uprightness

Combines two key elements of integrity: truthfulness and moral behavior.

moral principle

Focuses specifically on the adherence to a set of moral guidelines.

principle

Focuses solely on adhering to fundamental beliefs and values.

ethical conduct

Highlights the adherence to accepted rules of behavior within a specific context.

moral fiber

Emphasizes the strength and resilience of one's moral character.

soundness of character

Emphasizes the robustness and reliability of someone's moral attributes.

rectitude

Indicates moral correctness and righteousness in behavior and judgment.

probity

A formal term indicating complete honesty and adherence to high moral standards.

veracity

Highlights the truthfulness and accuracy aspect of integrity.

completeness and unity

Shifts the focus to the state of being whole and undivided, often in a non-moral context.

FAQs

How is "integrity" used in a sentence?

"Integrity" is used to describe steadfast adherence to moral principles. For example, "The company demonstrated "business integrity" by refusing to compromise its ethical standards."

What are some synonyms for "integrity"?

Synonyms for "integrity" include "honesty", "uprightness", and "probity", each emphasizing different aspects of moral character.

What does it mean to have "integrity"?

To have "integrity" means consistently acting according to a strong moral or ethical code. It implies being honest, reliable, and undivided in one's principles, as well as being complete and unimpaired.

How does "integrity" differ from "honesty"?

"Honesty" refers to truthfulness and lack of deception, while "integrity" encompasses a broader commitment to moral principles and ethical conduct. While honesty is part of integrity, integrity involves consistently upholding a set of values.