English Reference
noun

integrity

n.
US /ˌɪnˈtɛɡɹəti/ UK /ɪntˈɛɡɹɪti/ in·tegri·ty UK spelling integrities

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change.

    steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code; the quality of being honest and having strong principles.

    Simple

    The manager was respected by everyone for her professional integrity and fairness.

    In context

    The journalist refused to reveal his sources, arguing that protecting them was a matter of professional integrity and essential to a free press.

    honestyprobityrectitude
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    the state of being whole, strong, or not damaged.

    the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished; the physical or structural soundness of an object or system.

    Simple

    The engineers checked the structural integrity of the bridge after the earthquake.

    In context

    The extreme heat of the fire compromised the structural integrity of the steel beams, leading to the eventual collapse of the warehouse roof.

    soundnesssoliditywholeness
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the quality of information being correct and not changed by mistake or by someone without permission.

    the condition of data being accurate, complete, and unaltered during storage or transmission.

    Simple

    The bank uses encryption to ensure the integrity of your financial data.

    In context

    A checksum is a simple way to verify the integrity of a file after it has been downloaded from a remote server.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the ability of a system to warn users if it is not working correctly for navigation.

    the ability of a navigation system to provide timely and valid warnings to users when the system should not be used.

    Simple

    The pilot relied on the integrity of the GPS signal during the foggy landing.

    In context

    Modern aviation safety protocols require high levels of signal integrity to ensure that automated landing systems do not provide misleading information to the flight crew.

    reliabilitytrustworthiness

Usage maintain integrity

To pretend otherwise even for a titular moment would be to undermine your programme’s integrity from the start.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

It has however highlighted ongoing concerns about the integrity of high-profile and often politically sensitive inquiries.

BBC News· 10 Jun 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated