Political Scandals Terminology

verb to deliver or expose to an enemy by treachery or disloyalty

• The spy decided to betray his country and share classified information with the enemy.
• I can't believe she would betray her best friend like that.
• He totally backstabbed me and betrayed my trust.
• The dark clouds betray the incoming storm.

noun deceitful or dishonest behavior; trickery or fraud

• The investigation uncovered a web of knavery within the company's financial department.
• I can't believe the level of knavery going on behind the scenes.
• That guy is always up to some knavery, I wouldn't trust him.
• His charming smile masked the knavery in his heart.

adjective causing shame or disgrace; deserving of shame

• The company's unethical business practices were deemed shameful by the public.
• It's shameful how he never takes responsibility for his actions.
• That outfit is so shameful, you should change before we go out.
• The way she treated her friends was nothing short of shameful.

adjective involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt

• The investigation uncovered a sordid history of corruption within the company.
• I can't believe the sordid details that came out during the trial.
• The tabloids love to dig up sordid gossip about celebrities.
• The once beautiful garden had become a sordid mess of weeds and neglect.

adjective capable of being bought or influenced by money

• The judge was accused of being venal and accepting bribes.
• I heard that the politician is quite venal and only cares about money.
• Don't trust that guy, he's totally venal and will do anything for a quick buck.
• The company's decision to cut corners was a venal move that ultimately hurt their reputation.

noun a Latin phrase meaning 'horrible year'; used to describe a particularly difficult or disastrous year

• The year 2020 was truly an annus horribilis for many people around the world.
• Last year was a total annus horribilis, wasn't it?
• Man, 2020 was one big annus horribilis.
• Just like a stormy sea, life can sometimes throw us into an annus horribilis.

noun a person who leaks information, especially secret or classified information

• The company launched an investigation to identify the leaker of confidential information.
• I heard there's a leaker in the office who's been sharing gossip with everyone.
• That leaker is always spilling the tea on everyone's business.
• The journalist was hailed as a hero for being a leaker of important government secrets.

adjective able to be accused or charged with a crime

• The suspect is accusable of committing the crime.
• They think he's accusable for stealing the money.
• They're saying he's totally accusable for the mess.
• Her actions make her highly accusable in the eyes of the public.