sleaze

USAGE SUMMARY

'sleaze' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is often used to describe behavior or qualities that are dishonest, immoral, or unethical. Example: The politician's involvement in various corrupt activities has earned him a reputation for sleaze among the public.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are fed up with the sleaze stories.

The Guardian

Austria, Slovakia, Croatia and the Czech Republic are in the throes of sleaze allegations involving senior politicians and governing parties said to be funded by dirty money.

The Guardian

Designed by Renzo Piano, the new Whitney Museum of American Art stands in an area that used to be synonymous with sleaze, danger and the industrial butchers that gave the area its name.

The Guardian - Arts

Mote was elected as a Ukip member of the European parliament for the constituency of South East England in 2004, campaigning against Brussels sleaze.

The Guardian

Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, and the Czech Republic are in the throes of major sleaze allegations involving senior politicians and governing parties said to be funded by dirty money.

The Guardian

That particular paradox was underlined when he spoke out fiercely against the widespread perception in the 1990s "sleaze era" that most MPs are less than honest and honourable.

The Guardian

Lowry no longer belongs to the main party of the new government, Fine Gael – the allegations of graft and sleaze forced him out of the party a long time ago.

The Guardian

Ringland would be an ideal choice for any party in Britain fighting to unseat a sitting MP under fire over allegations (which Robinson strenuously denies) of sleaze or graft.

The Guardian

Warhol, so often seen as a heartless observer of celebrity and sleaze, carefully chose it and turned it into a print to make that evidence permanent, indelible, unforgettable.

The Guardian - Arts

On the doorsteps of Norwich, voters are sick to death of government sleaze.

The Guardian

In a dramatic testimony that swung the spotlight back onto Labor sleaze away from the Liberals, the inquiry also heard that former NSW treasurer and ports minister Eric Roozendaal issued McKay with a "subtle threat" over her opposition to plans by Tinkler's business to build a coal loader on the site of BHP's old steelworks in Mayfield, Newcastle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing political or corporate misconduct, use "sleaze" to effectively convey a sense of moral decay and public distrust. It's stronger than simply saying 'mistakes were made'.

Common error

While "sleaze" is impactful, overuse can make your writing sound sensationalist. In formal reports or academic papers, opt for more neutral terms like "corruption" or "unethical behavior" for a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sleaze" is as a noun, often used to describe a general atmosphere or specific instances of corruption, dishonesty, or low moral standards. Ludwig AI confirms that the word "sleaze" is grammatically correct and frequently used in reputable news sources. For example, "government sleaze" or "corporate sleaze".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sleaze" is a noun that describes unethical, corrupt, or low moral standards, according to Ludwig AI. Its most common function is to express disapproval of misconduct in various sectors, particularly politics and business. With a neutral register, the word is commonly found in news and media outlets and less frequently in more formal, scientific contexts. Considering its impact and frequency, using "sleaze" is efficient to convey moral decay and corruption when commenting on public misconduct. However, overuse in formal writing may come across as sensationalist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

corruption

Focuses on the abuse of power for private gain, a key aspect of "sleaze".

graft

Implies corruption, especially in politics or business, similar to "sleaze".

dishonesty

Highlights the lack of integrity and truthfulness associated with "sleaze".

immorality

Emphasizes the violation of moral principles, a component of "sleaze".

unethical conduct

Refers to behavior that doesn't conform to professional or moral standards, related to "sleaze".

shady dealings

Suggests secret and potentially illegal activities, a characteristic of "sleaze".

underhanded tactics

Focuses on the deceitful and unfair methods employed, linked to "sleaze".

moral turpitude

A formal term for acts that are inherently base, vile, or depraved, akin to "sleaze".

lack of integrity

Highlights the absence of honesty and strong moral principles, a feature of "sleaze".

scandalous behavior

Refers to actions that cause public outrage and disgrace, often associated with "sleaze".

FAQs

How is the term "sleaze" typically used in sentences?

The term "sleaze" is often used to describe situations, behaviors, or individuals characterized by low moral standards, corruption, or dishonesty. It is commonly found in contexts involving politics, business, or entertainment.

What are some alternative terms for "sleaze"?

You can use alternatives such as "corruption", "graft", or "unethical conduct" depending on the specific context.

In what type of writing is "sleaze" most appropriate?

"Sleaze" is appropriate in journalistic and informal writing where a stronger, more critical tone is desired. In formal or academic writing, it is better to use more neutral terms like "corruption" or "lack of transparency".

What connotations does the word "sleaze" carry?

The word "sleaze" carries strong negative connotations, implying not just wrongdoing but also a sense of moral decay, seediness, and public disgrace. It suggests something is not just wrong but also distasteful.