Homonym: corruption (Decay)
Corruption is when people in power, like government officials or business leaders, misuse their authority for personal gain. This can happen in many ways, such as accepting bribes, which are illegal payments made to influence decisions. Corruption can harm society by leading to unfair practices, where some people benefit at the expense of others.
When corruption is widespread, it can damage trust in institutions and make it harder for everyone to succeed. For example, if police officers accept bribes, they may ignore crimes or protect wrongdoers. This creates a cycle of dishonesty that can be difficult to break, affecting the lives of many people.