corruption; debasement; degradation
A yojijukugo describing a state of moral decay, corruption, and loss of integrity, often used in political or social contexts.
The politician led a corrupt and debased life.
組織の腐敗堕落が明るみに出た。
The organization's corruption came to light.
腐敗 refers more broadly to decay, rot, or corruption, while 腐敗堕落 emphasizes a deeper moral decline and degradation.
堕落 means depravity or falling into vice; 腐敗堕落 combines this with the idea of systemic corruption.
A yojijukugo composed of 腐敗 (decay, corruption) and 堕落 (depravity, degradation). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it is conventionally used to express thorough moral decay.