Word
autocratic
Phoneticsau·to·crat·ic, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɔtəˈkɹætɪk/
UK/ˌɔːtəʊkɹˈætɪk/
Definition
adj. describing a leader or a system where one person has all the power and makes all the decisions. It is often used to describe a leader who does not listen to other people's opinions.
adj. characterised by or relating to the exercise of absolute power by a single person or a small group. Often used to describe political systems or leadership styles that suppress dissent and centralise authority.
Examples
“The country was ruled by an autocratic leader for thirty years.”
“The new manager's autocratic style caused several experienced staff members to leave the company within a month.”
“While some argue that autocratic governance can provide stability during times of crisis, critics maintain that such systems inherently stifle the democratic participation necessary for long-term social progress.”
Examples
simple
“The country was ruled by an autocratic leader for thirty years.”
contextual
“The new manager's autocratic style caused several experienced staff members to leave the company within a month.”
complex
“While some argue that autocratic governance can provide stability during times of crisis, critics maintain that such systems inherently stifle the democratic participation necessary for long-term social progress.”
Real-World Examples
“Putin’s autocratic system was still able to deliver the results he wanted, analysts said.” “But in recent decades, under the country’s autocratic government, the area has been transformed beyond measure, and largely beyond control.” Etymology
From autocrat + -ic, equivalent to auto- + -cratic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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