Bureaucracy — Definition & Meaning

What does bureaucracy mean?

noun

A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by officials rather than by elected representatives. A complex system of administration.

Example

"The new policy was implemented by the bureaucracy, causing widespread confusion among employees."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymologically related

Greek: βουλευτής (boulētēs), meaning 'councilor'; Latin: bureaucratia, from Greek βουλευτής (boulētēs) and Greek: κράτος (kratos), meaning 'power'; French: bureaucratie

Synonyms for bureaucracy

red tape officialdom administration government regulation protocol

Antonyms of bureaucracy

democracy liberty freedom

Rhymes with bureaucracy

autocracy dictatorship monarchy theocracy