administration
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the activities and tasks involved in managing a business, school, or organization.
the process or activity of running a business, organization, or institution; often refers to the clerical and logistical side of management.
Simple“She works in the hospital administration, handling all the patient records and staff schedules.”
In context“The university has decided to streamline its administration to reduce overhead costs and improve the efficiency of student services.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun when referring to the activity itself.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the group of people who lead a government or a country.
the executive branch of a government, including the head of state and their cabinet or advisors.
Simple“The new administration promised to lower taxes during their first year in office.”
In context“The administration faced significant criticism from the opposition regarding its handling of the recent economic crisis.”
Teacher's tipIn American English, this is the standard term for the executive branch; in British English, 'the government' is more common.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the period of time when a particular leader or government is in power.
the term of office of a specific political leader or executive body.
Simple“Many new laws were passed during the previous administration.”
In context“Historians often compare the economic policies of the current administration with those of the 1990s.”
UsageUsually follows a possessive noun or 'the' + adjective (e.g., 'the Biden administration').
- 04 C1 Advanced
the act of giving something to someone, like a medicine or a test.
the act of dispensing or tendering something, such as a medical treatment, a drug, or a formal oath.
Simple“The administration of the vaccine took only a few seconds.”
In context“Careful monitoring is required during the administration of the sedative to ensure the patient does not have an adverse reaction.”
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'of'.
Synonyms - 05 C1 Advanced
a legal process for a company that cannot pay its debts, where an expert takes control to save it.
a legal procedure in which an insolvent company is placed under the management of an administrator to protect it from creditors.
Simple“The department store went into administration after failing to find a new buyer.”
In context“The airline entered administration yesterday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and employees uncertain about their future.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'to go into administration'.
Synonymsreceivershipbankruptcy protection
“Governors and local administrations are expected to meet recruitment targets set by Moscow, giving the Kremlin some distance from the drive while leaving regional officials responsible for finding enough men in their own territories.”
“So far, the White House has not announced who will succeed Leavitt, and sources within and close to the administration said no decision has yet been made.”
From Middle English administracioun, from Old French administration, from Latin administratio, from administrare; see administer; compare French administration. Equivalent to administrate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.