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

South African officials have called for solidarity and urged other G20 members to defend the integrity of the gathering and the rights of all its member states.

Read more on BBC

I love putting cranberry sauce on my stuffing and potatoes for more flavor, but if you’re someone who wants to maintain the integrity of individual side dishes, try your hand at making a dinner roll.

Read more on Salon

“When an officer turns routine traffic stops into opportunities for theft, for their own benefit, it corrodes public trust and endangers the integrity of our justice system.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Nvidia does not resemble historical accounting frauds because Nvidia’s underlying business is economically sound, our reporting is complete and transparent, and we care about our reputation for integrity,” the company wrote in the report.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Trust in the system requires transparency and integrity.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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