Corruptio optimi pessima
“The corruption of the best is the worst.”
Latin maxim
What does “Corruptio optimi pessima” mean?
Corruptio optimi pessima translates as “The corruption of the best is the worst.”
When the best people or institutions go bad, the damage is greater than anything else.
“Corruptio optimi pessima” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Corruptio | corruption, decay | nominative singular feminine of corruptio, “corruption”; the subject of the sentence |
| optimi | of the best | genitive singular (masculine or neuter) of optimus, “best”, superlative of bonus; used as a noun, “of the best (person or thing)” |
| pessima | (is) the worst | nominative singular feminine of pessimus, “worst”, superlative of malus; agrees with corruptio. No verb is written; “is” is understood |
How to pronounce “Corruptio optimi pessima”
The main difference is the ti in corruptio: Classical has a hard t (tee-oh), Church Latin has tsee-oh. Stress the second syllable of corruptio and the first of optimi and pessima.
The story behind it
Word for word the maxim says “the corruption of the best (is) the worst”. The Latin has no verb, which suits a proverb, and the matching superlatives optimi and pessima set the best against the worst.
The origin is uncertain. It is usually described as a scholastic or medieval saying, often given as “corruptio optimi pessima” or “corruptio optimi est pessima”, and no single author can be named with confidence. The idea is older, since Greek and Roman writers also held that the greatest abilities, once turned to bad ends, do the most harm.
The maxim is still quoted about fallen leaders, betrayed ideals and institutions that lose their purpose. Some writers link it to the fall of the angels, since the highest being is said to become the most dangerous when he turns bad.
How to use “Corruptio optimi pessima”
It fits a speech, essay or caption about a once-admired person, movement or institution that has gone wrong. As a tattoo or motto it suits someone who wants a reminder to guard their own integrity.
- Latin
- Corruptio optimi pessima
- English
- The corruption of the best is the worst.
- Source
- Latin maxim
- Era
- Early Modern
- Theme
- Character
Common mistakes
- It does not say that the best people are corrupt. It says that when they are corrupted, the result is worse than any other corruption.
- It is often shown with the verb added, “corruptio optimi est pessima”. Both forms are found, but the short one is the usual proverb form.
- Do not credit it to a famous ancient author such as Cicero or Augustine. Its origin is uncertain, and such attributions are unreliable.
- Optimi is genitive (“of the best”), not plural nominative. Changing the ending changes the meaning.
Questions about “Corruptio optimi pessima”
What does “Corruptio optimi pessima” mean literally?
“The corruption of the best (is) the worst.” Corruptio is the subject, optimi is “of the best”, and pessima is the predicate; “is” is understood.
Who said “Corruptio optimi pessima”?
No one can say for certain. It is a Latin maxim of uncertain origin, usually thought medieval or scholastic, and quoted since then.
How do you pronounce “Corruptio optimi pessima”?
In Classical Latin: kor-RUP-tee-oh OP-tih-mee PES-sih-mah. In Church Latin the ti of corruptio becomes tsee: kor-RUP-tsee-oh.
Is “Corruptio optimi pessima” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. It is a complete maxim with matching superlatives and an understood verb. Some people add est before pessima, which is also acceptable.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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