What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cankered
Example
The cankered tree had to be cut down before it spread its disease to other plants. [cankered: adjective]
Example
Her cankered attitude towards her coworkers made the office environment unpleasant. [cankered: adjective]
corrupt
Example
The corrupt politician was caught accepting bribes from lobbyists. [corrupt: adjective]
Example
The company was accused of corrupt business practices, leading to a loss of public trust. [corrupt: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Corrupt is more commonly used than cankered in everyday language. Corrupt is a versatile word that can be applied to various contexts, including individuals, actions, systems, and organizations. In contrast, cankered is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations, such as describing physical decay or bitter attitudes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cankered and corrupt?
Both cankered and corrupt can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, corrupt is more widely recognized and used, making it suitable for a broader range of formality levels.
