pervasive corruption

USAGE SUMMARY

"pervasive corruption" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or system in which corruption is widespread and has deeply penetrated various aspects of society or an organization. Example: "The country's economy was crippled by pervasive corruption, with government officials embezzling funds and accepting bribes on a massive scale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was aware of the pervasive corruption in Russia.

The Guardian

Pervasive corruption has slowed many efforts to fix these problems.

The New York Times

The third problem is that democracy seems not to be a cure against pervasive corruption.

Stanford University

Ultimately, India's pervasive corruption is more psychologically and economically debilitating than China's.

Yale University

More oppressive than the lack of political freedom are pervasive corruption and cronyism.

Yale University

In the past seven years he made a serious effort to clean up Zambia's pervasive corruption.

The Economist

Could such pervasive corruption have taken place without the involvement of more senior officials?

The New Yorker

But industry chiefs are now much more openly critical about pervasive corruption and bureaucracy.

The New York Times

Also largely glossed over in the report is the extent and implications of pervasive corruption.

The New York Times

Pervasive corruption has battered all the instruments of governance into hideous shapes.

The New Yorker

But they question whether more aid money would be used effectively, given the pervasive corruption there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pervasive corruption", provide specific examples or contexts to illustrate the extent and impact of the corruption. For instance, mention the sectors affected or the specific consequences for the population.

Common error

Avoid using "pervasive corruption" in contexts where the corruption is already understood to be widespread. Instead, focus on the specific actors, mechanisms, or impacts of the corruption, rather than simply labeling it as pervasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pervasive corruption" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pervasive corruption" accurately describes situations where corruption is widespread and deeply embedded within a system. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, academic research, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "systemic corruption" or "rampant corruption" can be used to emphasize specific aspects, it's important to provide context and concrete examples to illustrate the extent and impact of the corruption being discussed. Remember to avoid redundancy by focusing on details rather than simply labeling the corruption as pervasive when the context already suggests it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widespread corruption

This alternative directly replaces "pervasive" with its synonym "widespread", maintaining the core meaning.

rampant corruption

This term suggests corruption that is rapidly spreading and uncontrolled, adding a sense of urgency.

systemic corruption

This alternative emphasizes that the corruption is embedded within the system or organization.

endemic corruption

This phrase highlights the deeply rooted and persistent nature of the corruption.

institutionalized corruption

This emphasizes that corruption has become a part of the established norms and practices of an institution.

deep-seated corruption

This alternative suggests that the corruption is firmly established and difficult to eradicate.

extensive corruption

Focuses on the broad reach and scope of the corruption.

all-encompassing corruption

This alternative emphasizes that the corruption affects all areas or aspects.

ingrained corruption

Suggests that the corruption is deeply embedded in the culture or structure.

unbridled corruption

This highlights the lack of control and restraint over the corruption.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "pervasive corruption" in a sentence?

Use "pervasive corruption" to describe situations where corruption is widespread and deeply ingrained within a system or society. Provide specific examples to illustrate its impact. For example: "The country's economic development was hampered by "widespread corruption"."

What are some alternatives to "pervasive corruption"?

You can use alternatives such as "rampant corruption", "systemic corruption", or "endemic corruption", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "pervasive corruption" when the context already implies widespread corruption?

It can be. If the context already makes it clear that corruption is widespread, consider focusing on specific details or consequences instead. For instance, instead of saying "The country suffered from pervasive corruption and lack of investment", you could say "Corruption diverted crucial investment, hindering economic growth".

What's the difference between "pervasive corruption" and "isolated corruption"?

"Pervasive corruption" indicates that corruption is widespread and affects many aspects of a system or society. "Isolated corruption", on the other hand, refers to specific instances of corruption that are not indicative of a larger problem.