SKIP TO CONTENT

improbity

/ɪmˈproʊbɪti/
IPA guide

Every supervillain is known for their improbity: dishonesty, immorality, and shadiness. Improbity is a heavy-duty word for a general lack of integrity.

A corrupt executive or politician displays improbity by doing things like fraudulently using company or public funds for personal gain. Improbity encompasses any immoral or unethical behavior. Its roots are im-, meaning "not," and the Latin probitas, meaning "honesty" or "uprightness." So while someone with probity is an upstanding person of their word, someone characterized by improbity cannot be trusted.

Definitions of improbity
  1. noun
    dishonesty; lack of integrity or morality
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘improbity'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family