廉正 (lián zhèng) is a formal, literary noun meaning 'uprightness' or 'probity'—referring to moral integrity, especially in public service or positions of authority. The character 廉 (lián) conveys honesty, incorruptibility, and frugality, while 正 (zhèng) means 'upright', 'just', or 'correct'. Together, they emphasize unwavering ethical conduct and resistance to bribery or favoritism. This term is commonly used in political, legal, and administrative contexts—such as anti-corruption campaigns, civil service ethics training, or official reports on governance standards.

Unlike everyday adjectives like 正直 (zhèngzhí), 廉正 carries a stronger institutional and normative weight; it implies not just personal virtue but adherence to public duty and accountability. It frequently appears in collocations like 廉政 (liánzhèng, 'clean governance') and 廉正建设 (liánzhèng jiànshè, 'integrity building'). While rarely used in casual speech, it’s essential for understanding formal Chinese discourse on ethics and governance.