adjective

incorruptible

in-kuh-RUP-tuh-bul/ˌɪnkəˈrʌptəbl/

Unable to be spoiled or degraded.

The incorruptible judge refuses bribes and treats everyone fairly.

An honest official firmly pushes away an offered envelope of money with an open palm, maintains calm integrity, no text or logos.

Etymology

inLatinnot

+corruptLatinto spoil, corrupt, bribe

+ibleLatincapable of being

The idea of being unable to spoil first described imperishable matter or an immortal soul in English. Applied to character, it means integrity that cannot be ruined, especially by bribery.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain282:39

The Incorruptible Kodak and all the harmony went to hell the only witness I have encountered in my long experience that I couldn't bribe

1800s Philosophy: Mark Twain's Anti-Imperialist Writings (Audiobook)

More examples

Even powerful donors cannot buy the incorruptible senator's vote.
The legend describes an incorruptible body that never decays.
They seek an incorruptible material that will never deteriorate.

Forms

incorruptible

incorruptibility noun — the quality of being immune to corruption

Similar words

honest: Describes truthfulness without necessarily implying immunity to bribery.
imperishable: Emphasizes freedom from decay or destruction, not moral integrity.