Corruption
Corruption, Improper and usually unlawful conduct intended to secure a benefit for oneself or another. Its forms include bribery, extortion, and the misuse of inside information. It exists where there is community indifference or a lack of enforcement policies. In societies with a culture of ritualized gift giving, the line between acceptable and unacceptable gifts is often hard to draw. See also organized crime.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Jeannette L. Nolen.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Corruption
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
31 October 2026
Access Date:
November 13, 2026