English · Work & Business
bureaucracy
/bjʊəˈrɒk.rə.si/
[/bjʊəˈrɒk.rə.si/]
complex administration
Advancednoun
Definition
A system of government or management run by many officials and complex, rigid procedures.
Example
Getting the permit approved meant battling through layers of bureaucracy for several months.
Getting the permit approved meant battling through layers of bureaucracy for several months.
Etymology
From French 'bureau' (desk, office) plus Greek 'kratia' (rule).
How & Where It’s Used
Common in political science and everyday complaints about administration.