Korruptoituneet

Korruptoituneet is a Finnish term used to describe people or groups that are believed to be corrupted by bribery, favoritism, or abuse of power. In public discourse, the word is often employed to label individuals, networks, or institutions that are perceived to have compromised integrity due to corrupt practices. It can appear in journalism, politics, and commentary as a strong evaluative statement about moral failure or unethical behavior.

Etymology and form: The word stems from korruptoitua, meaning “to become corrupted,” which itself is based on korruptio, the noun for corruption. The form korruptoitunut means “corrupted” in the singular, and korruptoituneet is the plural form, used both as an adjective and as a noun referring to those who have become corrupted.

Usage and nuance: Korruptoituneet is a highly pejorative label and can carry a polemical charge. Its use often signals a stance in political or public debates and may reflect assumptions about guilt or systemic failure. In more neutral or academic contexts, writers may prefer precise descriptions of specific acts (such as bribery or bid-racking) or refer to korruptio as a phenomenon rather than to people in moral terms.

See also: korruptio (corruption), korruptoituminen (the process of becoming corrupted), political corruption.