C1noun formal 10K+

Bureaucracy

🇬🇧 UK /["/bjʊəˈrɒkrəsi/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/bjʊˈrɑːkrəsi/"]/

Meaning of Bureaucracy

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.

Bureaucracy in a sentence

• 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• He criticized the bureaucracy for being rigid and outdated in an ever-changing world.

How to use Bureaucracy

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!

Related words

Collocations with Bureaucracy

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

Synonyms for Bureaucracy

• administration
• regulation
• red tape
• system
• process

Opposites of Bureaucracy

• efficiency
• simplicity

Common mistakes with Bureaucracy

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Bureaucracy

What does Bureaucracy mean?

A system of managing government or organizations with many rules and procedures.

What is the definition of Bureaucracy?

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

How do you use Bureaucracy in a sentence?

The bureaucracy of the government can often slow down important decisions.

Can you give another example of Bureaucracy?

She found herself frustrated by the complexities of university bureaucracy.

What are synonyms for Bureaucracy?

Common alternatives include administration, regulation, red tape, system, process.

What is the opposite of Bureaucracy?

Opposite meanings include efficiency, simplicity.

What words go with Bureaucracy?

It commonly pairs with cumbersome, excessive, unnecessary, cut, eliminate, reduce, huge, large, massive.

What are common mistakes when using Bureaucracy?

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.

How do you pronounce Bureaucracy?

US: /["/bjʊˈrɑːkrəsi/"]/, UK: /["/bjʊəˈrɒkrəsi/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Bureaucracy formal or informal?

"Bureaucracy" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Bureaucracy?

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

What CEFR level is Bureaucracy?

"Bureaucracy" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.