Word
bribery
US/ˈbɹaɪbɝi/
UK/bɹˈaɪbəɹi/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of giving money or a gift to someone so they will do something for you, usually something dishonest or illegal.
n. the criminal act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting any item of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal duty.
Examples
“Bribery is common in some countries.”
“The company faced heavy fines after an investigation revealed widespread bribery in its supply chain.”
“The scandal exposed a culture of bribery where public officials routinely accepted gifts in exchange for favorable contract awards.”
Examples
simple
“Bribery is common in some countries.”
contextual
“The company faced heavy fines after an investigation revealed widespread bribery in its supply chain.”
complex
“The scandal exposed a culture of bribery where public officials routinely accepted gifts in exchange for favorable contract awards.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general practice; countable when referring to specific instances or charges.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse 'bribery' (the crime) with 'bribe' (the gift itself). Use 'bribery' for the concept and 'bribe' for the object.
Etymology
From bribe + -ery.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/bribery