Economies that are afflicted by a high level of corruption—which involves the misuse of power in the form of

money or authority to achieve certain goals in illegal, dishonest, or unfair ways—are not capable of prospering as
fully as those with a low level of corruption. Corrupted economies are not able to function properly because
corruption prevents the natural laws of the economy from functioning freely. As a result, corruption in a nation's
political and economic operations causes its entire society to suffer.

Emerging market economies tend to have much higher corruption levels compared to developed countries.

 Corruption can lead to an uneven distribution of wealth as small businesses face unfair competition from
large companies that have established illegal connections with government officials.
 In a corrupt economy, resources are inefficiently allocated and companies that otherwise would not be
qualified to win government contracts are often awarded projects as a result of bribery or kickbacks.
 The quality of education and healthcare also deteriorates under a corrupt economy, leading to an overall
lower standard of living for the country's citizens.
According to the World Bank, the average income in countries with a high level of corruption is about a
third of that of countries with a low level of corruption. Also, the infant mortality rate in such countries is about
three times higher and the literacy rate is 25% lower. No country has been able to completely eliminate
corruption, but studies show that the level of corruption in countries with emerging market economies is much
higher than it is in developed countries.

Now is corruption defined in the text?

High level of corruption prevent th free economic advance.