Word
bureaucratic
Phoneticsbu·reau·crat·ic, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌbjʊɹəˈkɹætɪk/
UK/bjˌɔːɹəʊkɹˈætɪk/
Government
Definition
adj. relating to a large organization with many rules and officials. It often describes systems that are slow, complex, or focused on paperwork rather than people.
adj. relating to or characteristic of a bureaucracy; marked by adherence to formal rules, procedures, and hierarchical authority. Often carries a negative connotation implying excessive complexity or inefficiency.
Examples
“The bureaucratic process took three months to finish.”
“She spent the morning filling out bureaucratic forms to renew her passport.”
“The company's bureaucratic structure slowed decision-making, causing them to miss a crucial market opportunity.”
Examples
simple
“The bureaucratic process took three months to finish.”
contextual
“She spent the morning filling out bureaucratic forms to renew her passport.”
complex
“The company's bureaucratic structure slowed decision-making, causing them to miss a crucial market opportunity.”
Real-World Examples
“Tax uncertainties, bureaucratic red tape, delays in land and environmental approvals are all long-documented challenges for foreign investors, including the Japanese.” “But then conformism, bureaucratic groupthink and mindless techno-consumerism are the villains here; the heroes are the outcasts and free-thinkers.” Etymology
Borrowed from French bureaucratique, from bureaucrate (“bureaucrat”) or bureaucratie (“bureaucracy”) + -ique (“-ic”), equivalent to bureaucrat + -ic or bureau + -cratic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
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.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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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