ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bureaucratic

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌbjʊɹəˈkɹætɪk// UK //bjˌɔːɹəʊkɹˈætɪk// bu·reau·crat·ic

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.


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.

Origin

Borrowed from French bureaucratique, from bureaucrate (“bureaucrat”) or bureaucratie (“bureaucracy”) + -ique (“-ic”), equivalent to bureaucrat + -ic or bureau + -cratic.

© 2026 English Reference