integrity

[ in-teg-ri-tee ]

noun

1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

   Synonyms: virtue, probity, rectitude

   Antonyms: dishonesty

2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished:

   to preserve the integrity of the empire.

3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition:

   the integrity of a ship's hull.

integrity

/ ɪnˈtɛɡrɪtɪ /

noun

1. adherence to moral principles; honesty
2. the quality of being unimpaired; soundness
3. unity; wholeness

Word History and Origins

Origin of integrity¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English integrite, from Latin integritās; integer, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of integrity¹

C15: from Latin integritās; see integer

Synonym Study

See honor.

Example Sentences

He added its report had found "repeated failures of governance and integrity", and that its inquiry had been fair, balanced and independent.

From BBC

“My office is committed to rooting out corruption in the international marketplace and protecting investors from those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the integrity of our financial markets,” he added.

From BBC

“Maybe Ukraine will have to outlive someone in Moscow in order to achieve all its goals... to restore the full integrity of Ukraine.”

From BBC

The group will assess structural integrity and recommend safety measures in an effort to prevent future tragedies.

From BBC

It was then alleged that, in failing to admit to the incident on 8 December, the officer breached the force's standards of professional behaviour in respect of honesty and integrity.

From BBC

Related Words

• honesty
• principle
• probity
• purity
• rectitude
• sincerity
• virtue