Word
administrative
Phoneticsad·min·is·tra·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/ədˈmɪnəˌstɹeɪtɪv/
UK/ɐdmˈɪnɪstɹətˌɪv/
Definition
adj. relating to the work of managing a company, school, or organization. You use this to describe tasks like organizing files, planning meetings, or dealing with paperwork. In computing, this describes tasks or settings that involve controlling how a system works, such as managing user accounts or security permissions.
adj. relating to the management and execution of organizational tasks, policies, or procedures. Frequently used to distinguish clerical or operational functions from creative, technical, or strategic ones. In computing and networking, it refers to high-level system privileges or tasks that allow a user to modify configurations, install software, or manage access.
Examples
“The job involves a lot of administrative work.”
“The new manager promised to reduce the administrative burden on teachers so they could focus on their students.”
“While the executive team sets the long-term vision, the administrative staff ensures that the daily operations align with the company's regulatory and legal obligations.”
Examples
simple
“The job involves a lot of administrative work.”
contextual
“The new manager promised to reduce the administrative burden on teachers so they could focus on their students.”
complex
“While the executive team sets the long-term vision, the administrative staff ensures that the daily operations align with the company's regulatory and legal obligations.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “administrative” in context.
Verb
01. handle administrative tasks
“We hired an assistant to handle administrative tasks so the team could focus on sales.”
verb + noun
02. streamline administrative processes
“The company implemented new software to streamline administrative processes and reduce costs.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. highly administrative
“The position is highly administrative, requiring excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.”
adv + adj
04. purely administrative
“The delay was caused by a purely administrative error that has now been rectified.”
adv + adj
Noun
05. administrative burden
“The new regulations have significantly increased the administrative burden on small businesses.”
adj + noun
06. administrative capacity
“The local government lacks the administrative capacity to manage such a large-scale project.”
adj + noun
07. administrative duties
“Her role involves a mix of creative design and routine administrative duties.”
adj + noun
08. administrative oversight
“The project failed due to a lack of proper administrative oversight during the initial phase.”
adj + noun
Usage
Typically precedes the noun it modifies; often used in professional or governmental contexts.
Pitfall
the administration work
the administrative work
Learners often use the noun 'administration' as a modifier when the adjective 'administrative' is the standard colocation for describing tasks or roles.
Real-World Examples
“Government analysis said there were "potential trade-offs" that include more administrative costs and less flexibility for companies, including making it "harder for employers to respond to changes in demand".” “The head of France's direct-selling trade association, the Fédération de la Vente Directe (FVD), also criticised the reforms for adding what he said were administrative burdens for businesses.” “The administrative court in Luleå upheld Sweden’s migration agency decision that Thomas was not eligible to stay because her application was made in 2023, after the cut-off date of December 2021.” “One investigative record showed DHS used administrative subpoenas to obtain “wire transfers from various financial institutions to and from” SEIU, one of the largest unions in the US.” Etymology
From administrate + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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