What does technocratic mean?
Technocratic is an adjective describing systems, institutions, or styles of decision-making that rely on the authority of technical experts and specialists. It is related to technocracy, a form of organization or government in which people with specialized knowledge exercise substantial control. In neutral or favorable contexts, the word can suggest rational, efficient, evidence-based administration, especially in areas such as engineering, public health, or infrastructure. In more critical contexts, however, technocratic implies that expert authority has displaced democratic participation or that technical solutions are being imposed without sufficient attention to public needs and values. The term is used in political writing, academic discussion, journalism, and business commentary. It is not limited to either British or American English. Technocratic is usually used attributively, as in “technocratic government” or “a technocratic approach,” and the related adverb is “technocratically.”
adjectiveRelating to or characterized by technocracy, especially rule or governance by people with specialized technical knowledge. It can also describe systems, organizations, or policies that are administered through technical expertise and formal procedures.
- Relating to governance or administration by technical experts and specialists.
- Characterized by reliance on formal expertise, standardized procedures, and expert-led decision-making.
"The proposal was rejected after technocratic planning failed to account for the needs of the local community."
"The technocratic committee approved the new safety standards without consulting the affected workers."
"Her technocratic approach to urban planning produced efficient results but generated little public enthusiasm."
Technocratic describes a system where expertise holds power—but the word often carries a warning that efficiency may come at the expense of public participation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does technocratic come from?
Technocratic ultimately derives from Greek tekhnē, meaning craft, skill, or art, combined with -kratia, from Greek kratos, meaning power or rule. The related noun technocracy was formed with the suffix -ia, meaning government or rule, and technocratic was later developed from technocracy to describe governance by experts. Its cognates and related forms include technocrat, technician, and technical, all of which reflect the same broad idea of specialized skill or technique.
Related word forms
How technocratic is actually used
Formal and often somewhat critical in contemporary use. It can suggest competent expert management, but it may also imply distance from ordinary citizens, limited democratic accountability, or excessive dependence on specialists.
Easily confused with technocratic
Technocratic means governed or administered by technical experts, whereas bureaucratic emphasizes formal rules, procedures, and administrative organization.