venality

American  

[vee-nal-i-tee, vuh-] / viˈnæl ɪ ti, və- /

noun

1. the condition or quality of being venal; openness to bribery or corruption.

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Etymology

Origin of venality

From the Late Latin word vēnālitas, dating back to 1605–15. See venal, -ity

Explanation

Venality is the quality of being open to bribery or overly motivated by money. A government worker's venality might lead him to exchange state secrets for cash. Criminals are known for their venality, being willing to break the law for a financial reward. This kind of venality can vary from police officers accepting bribes to politicians making decisions and passing laws based on campaign contributions. The Late Latin root word is venalitatem, "capable of being bought," from venum, "for sale."

Example Sentences

Venality does have a high public profile in today’s art world, but it has only a modest presence in the day-to-day life of art.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2019

Venality, vanity and idiocy rule in our times, but judging from the amusing caricature show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, we’re no worse than past eras.

From BusinessWeek • Sep. 30, 2011

Venality reigned throughout every department of the public administration.

From The Ancient Church Its History, Doctrine, Worship, and Constitution by Killen, W. D. (William Dool)

Venality and deception meeting with so much encouragement, those propensities of the human heart would be generated and fostered, which at length produced flagrant impositions, and the greatest enormities.

From A Historical Survey of the Customs, Habits, & Present State of the Gypsies by Hoyland, John

Venality, that dogs great efforts, undoubtedly there was.

From Memorial Addresses on the Life and Character of William H. F. Lee (A Representative from Virginia) Delivered in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, Fifty-Second Congress, First Session by Various