# broligarchy

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/broligarchy
Updated: 2026-08-14

## Definition

a situation where a small group of men, who are often friends, control a company or industry. This term is often used critically to describe unfair environments where women and other groups are excluded from power.

For teachers: a neologism and portmanteau of 'bro' and 'oligarchy', referring to a power structure in which a cliquish group of men controls an organization or industry. The term is informal and pejorative.

## Examples

- Critics call the company's leadership a broligarchy.
- The article argued that venture capital is a broligarchy, making it difficult for female founders to get funding.
- Beyond its public commitment to diversity, the firm's promotion data revealed a persistent broligarchy where leadership roles were invariably filled from a small network of well-connected men.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.