Muckraking

C1 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /mʌk.reɪ.kɪŋ/

Definitions of muckraking

noun a type of journalism that seeks to expose corruption or wrongdoing in politics or business

Example Sentences

A1 Muckraking is a type of journalism that exposes corruption and scandals.

A2 The muckraking journalist was praised for uncovering the truth about the political scandal.

B1 The muckraking article shed light on the unethical practices of the company.

B2 She gained a reputation for her muckraking investigations into government corruption.

C1 The muckraking documentary sparked a national conversation about corporate greed.

C2 His muckraking book exposed the deep-rooted corruption within the legal system.

Examples of muckraking in a Sentence

formal The journalist engaged in muckraking to uncover corruption within the government.

informal The reporter was muckraking to dig up some dirt on the local politician.

slang The blogger was muckraking to spill the tea on the celebrity scandal.

figurative The activist's muckraking efforts aimed to expose the hidden truths behind the industry's practices.

Grammatical Forms of muckraking

past tense

muckraked

plural

muckrakings

comparative

more muckraking

superlative

most muckraking

present tense

muckrakes

future tense

will muckrake

perfect tense

has muckraked

continuous tense

is muckraking

singular

muckraking

positive degree

muckraking

infinitive

to muckrake

gerund

muckraking

participle

muckraked

Origin and Evolution of muckraking

First Known Use: 1906 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'muckraking' originated from the practice of using a muckrake, a tool used to clean manure and dirt from stables, as a metaphor for investigative journalism that 'rakes up' and exposes societal problems and corruption.
Evolution of the word: Initially used in a derogatory manner by President Theodore Roosevelt to criticize journalists for focusing on sensationalism and scandal, the term 'muckraking' eventually evolved to represent a form of journalism that aims to uncover and address social injustices and political corruption.