C1nounformal10K+

Bureaucracy

UK /["/bjʊəˈrɒkrəsi/"]/US /["/bjʊˈrɑːkrəsi/"]/

Definition

the system of official rules and ways of doing things that a government or an organization has, especially when these seem to be too complicated

In simple words: A system of managing government or organizations with many rules and procedures.

Examples

  • The bureaucracy of the government can often slow down important decisions.
  • She found herself frustrated by the complexities of university bureaucracy.
  • To navigate the bureaucracy effectively, one must understand its processes and protocols.
  • Many believe that excessive bureaucracy can hinder innovation and creativity in companies.
  • He criticized the bureaucracy for being rigid and outdated in an ever-changing world.

Usage notes

Often used in discussions about government, organizations, or administrative processes. It might sound too formal in casual conversations. Best to use in professional contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'bureau' for office work and 'crazy' for many rules — bureaucracy can feel crazy!

Collocations

  • cumbersome
  • excessive
  • unnecessary
  • cut
  • eliminate
  • reduce
  • huge
  • large
  • massive

Synonyms

  • administration
  • regulation
  • red tape
  • system
  • process

Antonyms

  • efficiency
  • simplicity

Common mistakes

  • Often confused with 'bureaucrat', which refers to a person, not the system.
  • Wrongly spelled as 'bureocracy'.
  • Using it as a verb instead of a noun.