Conor McAuley (asker) Feb 18, 2020:

Good call SafeTex: lack of probity fits well.

SafeTex Feb 18, 2020:

@ Conor No problems. If "corruption" is already used, then you need a synonym and if "probity" works, then "probity" it is ("lack" or "breach" as you see fit)

Conor McAuley (asker) Feb 18, 2020:

To be brutally honest (which is my way) and probably to embarrass myself, I wasn't familiar with the term probity before last night. I'd like to avoid "corruption" as the word is all over my text, unavoidably.

SafeTex Feb 18, 2020:

@all i still go with "corruption" but if you choose "probity" (Juan's suggestion), I'd say a "lack of probity" rather than "breach of probity", the former phrase getting 4 times as many hits on Google
What do you think?

Conor McAuley (asker) Feb 18, 2020:

FAO B D Finch The context is anti-corruption and what are defined as "controlled entities" under French law. I forgot to mention the last bit.

B D Finch Feb 18, 2020:

probity / integrity / ethics ? I think the above are rather different concepts. A doctor should abide by a code of ethics, not probity. On the other hand, you would expect a banker to have (or exercise) probity. So, I'd stick with "probity" here.

"La probité est un concept pouvant se définir d’abord par la droiture, ensuite l’honnêteté et enfin l’intégrité.
Avoir de la probité c’est donc avoir un attachement aux devoirs de la Justice et de la Morale."
https://www.cabinetaci.com/les-infractions-portant-atteinte-...

Conor McAuley (asker) Feb 18, 2020:

Flip I had a feeling that the expression had to be flipped on its head...

Conor McAuley (asker) Feb 18, 2020:

Integrity I was trying to fit the word "integrity" into it, but your solution works, please post it as an answer. Many thanks.

mrrafe Feb 18, 2020:

of ethics Breaches of ethics, ethical lapses, ethical violations. "Ethical" in the sense of ethics-related is a fairly common locution so I don't think it would confuse anyone, even though it literally describes unethical misconduct as ethical.