C1nounformal2K

Integrity

UK /["/ɪnˈteɡrəti/"]/US /["/ɪnˈteɡrəti/"]/

Definition

the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles

In simple words: Being honest and having strong moral principles.

Examples

  • Her integrity was unquestionable, and everyone respected her for it.
  • Integrity in leadership is essential for building trust within a team.
  • He demonstrated his integrity by admitting his mistake rather than covering it up.
  • Maintaining integrity in difficult situations can be challenging but necessary.
  • The integrity of the data was compromised during the transfer process.

Usage notes

Used in professional and academic settings to discuss character. Avoid casual conversations or contexts that don't require a serious tone.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'in' + 'tegrity' as being 'in good' shape or 'good behavior'.

Collocations

  • great
  • high
  • absolute
  • have
  • lack
  • lose
  • with integrity
  • an attack on somebody’s/​something’s integrity
  • physical
  • structural
  • territorial
  • have
  • lose
  • restore
  • a challenge to something’s integrity
  • a threat to something’s integrity

Synonyms

  • unity

Antonyms

  • dishonesty
  • corruption
  • deceit

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'integrate' - integrity is about honesty, while integrate means to combine.
  • Using it inappropriately in casual situations where a lighter term would suffice.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'in-tuh-gree-tee' instead of 'in-teg-ri-tee'.