integrity
in-TEG-rih-tee
/ɪnˈtɛɡrɪti/
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
Integrity implies a consistency of character—you are the same person whether people are watching or not.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'integer', meaning 'whole' or 'untouched'. A person of integrity is 'whole'—their public actions and private beliefs are not split or broken.
Word relationships
- probity: Probity is a very formal word for proven honesty and integrity.
- corruption: Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power.
Commonly confused with
- rectitude: Integrity is about being 'whole' and consistent; rectitude is about being 'straight' and correct.
Word family
- integer (noun): A whole number.
- integrate (verb): To combine into a whole.
Collocations
- personal integrity
- professional integrity
- territorial integrity
- uncompromising integrity
Example sentences
- "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." Leadership
- "The structural integrity of the bridge was compromised by the earthquake." Engineering
Memory hook
Think of an 'Integer' in math. It's a whole number, not a fraction. A person of integrity isn't 'fractioned' or divided. Wholeness of character.
When not to use
Do not use when you only mean 'honesty'; integrity is broader, including the courage to act on your honesty.
Fun facts
- The word is also used in technology ('data integrity') to mean that information has not been altered or corrupted.
Explore more words
probity, conscientious, rectitude, dignity, virtue, trustworthy
Also appears in
- Personality → Honesty & Integrity
- Leadership → Ethical Governance
- Business → Business Ethics & Compliance
- Technology → Cybersecurity & Privacy
- Technology → Ethics in Science & Tech
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Corporate Social Responsibility
- Health Sciences → Medical Ethics & Bioethics
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Professionalism vs Amateurism
- Criminology, Law Enforcement & Penal Systems → Forensic Science & Investigation
- Student Life & Schooling → Academic Integrity & Cheating
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