Word
administration
Phoneticsad·min·is·tra·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ædˌmɪnɪˈstɹeɪʃən/
UK/ɐdmˌɪnɪstɹˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01management of a business
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Business Academic
n. the activities and tasks involved in managing a business, school, or organization.
n. the process or activity of running a business, organization, or institution; often refers to the clerical and logistical side of management.
“She works in the hospital administration, handling all the patient records and staff schedules.”
“The university has decided to streamline its administration to reduce overhead costs and improve the efficiency of student services.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the activity itself.
Synonyms
02the government
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Politics American English
n. the group of people who lead a government or a country.
n. the executive branch of a government, including the head of state and their cabinet or advisors.
“The new administration promised to lower taxes during their first year in office.”
“The administration faced significant criticism from the opposition regarding its handling of the recent economic crisis.”
Teaching tip
In American English, this is the standard term for the executive branch; in British English, 'the government' is more common.
Synonyms
03period of leadership
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Politics Academic
n. the period of time when a particular leader or government is in power.
n. the term of office of a specific political leader or executive body.
“Many new laws were passed during the previous administration.”
“Historians often compare the economic policies of the current administration with those of the 1990s.”
Usage
Usually follows a possessive noun or 'the' + adjective (e.g., 'the Biden administration').
04giving something
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Medicine Technical · Formal
n. the act of giving something to someone, like a medicine or a test.
n. the act of dispensing or tendering something, such as a medical treatment, a drug, or a formal oath.
“The administration of the vaccine took only a few seconds.”
“Careful monitoring is required during the administration of the sedative to ensure the patient does not have an adverse reaction.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
Synonyms
05insolvency process
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law British English · Technical
n. a legal process for a company that cannot pay its debts, where an expert takes control to save it.
n. a legal procedure in which an insolvent company is placed under the management of an administrator to protect it from creditors.
“The department store went into administration after failing to find a new buyer.”
“The airline entered administration yesterday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and employees uncertain about their future.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'to go into administration'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “administration” in context.
Verb
01. handle the administration
“The office manager will handle the administration of the new scholarship program.”
verb + noun
02. join the administration
“Several experts were invited to join the administration to help with economic reforms.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. central administration
“All major decisions are made by the central administration at the university headquarters.”
adj + noun
04. efficient administration
“The success of the project was largely due to the efficient administration of resources.”
adj + noun
05. public administration
“She decided to pursue a degree in public administration to work for the local government.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. administration costs
“The charity aims to keep its administration costs low so more money goes to those in need.”
noun + noun
07. burden of administration
“Small business owners often complain about the heavy burden of administration.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
08. under the administration
“The country saw significant economic growth under the current administration.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“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.” “The US Federal Aviation Administration says that battery safety is a priority.” Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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