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Definition of bureaucratic

bureaucratic

/ˌbjʊərəˈkrætɪk/
bu · reau · crat · ic

Adverb:bureaucratically
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bureaucratic Lexical Profile

bureaucratic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Involving overly complicated, rigid, and time-consuming official rules and procedures that hinder quick action or practical decision-making.

Example

"Small business owners often complain that the permit application process is needlessly bureaucratic and slow."


2

Relating to the business of running an organization, government, or institution through a structured system of administrative departments and officials.

Example

"The transition of power required significant adjustments within the state's bureaucratic apparatus."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for bureaucratic

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century from French bureaucratie, which combines bureau ('writing desk' or 'office', originally named after the coarse woolen cloth covering desks) with the Greek suffix -kratia ('rule' or 'power').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bureaucratic. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bureaucratic
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