government corruption
State-sponsored self-dealing
Government corruption is the abuse of public office for private gain.
Officials may accept bribes, embezzle funds, award contracts to cronies, or sell influence.
The term covers everything from petty bribery to systemic kleptocracy: The investigation uncovered government corruption at the highest levels.
Corruption erodes public trust and diverts resources meant for citizens.
- greedExcessive desire for wealth
- fat catWealthy, influential person
- briberyCorrupt payment for influence
- palm greasingIllicit payment for favors
- under the tableWithout official documentation
nepotism · cronyism · embezzlement · pay to play · abuse of power · sanctions · graft · patronage · revolving door · money laundering · codes of conduct · kickbacks · dirty money · inefficiency · transparency initiatives · kleptocracy · smoke-filled rooms · audits
government corruptionpublic integrity
Ethical conduct in office
good governance · incorruptibility · civic virtue · probity · rectitude
government corruptiongovernment transparency
Public access to official proceedings
accountability · open government · public accountability · freedom of information · democratic oversight
government, govern, governor, governess, governance, governmental, governing, governed, governs