Word
ministry
Phoneticsmin·istry
US/ˈmɪnəstɹi/
UK/mˈɪnɪstɹi/
Definitions
01government department
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a large department of a government that deals with a specific area, like health or education.
n. a high-level government department or administrative division, typically headed by a minister.
“The Ministry of Education announced new rules for primary schools today.”
“The Ministry of Finance is currently reviewing the proposed tax reforms to ensure they align with the national budget targets.”
Usage
Often capitalized when referring to a specific entity, such as the Ministry of Defence.
Synonyms
02the body of ministers
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. all the ministers of a government acting together as a group.
n. the collective body of government ministers under the leadership of a head of government.
日本語:内閣※
“The prime minister met with his entire ministry to discuss the crisis.”
“During the final months of the previous ministry, several key legislative initiatives were abandoned due to internal disagreements.”
Teaching tip
In this sense, it refers to the people and the period of their administration rather than a building or department.
Synonyms
03religious work
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Religion
n. the work or career of a religious leader, such as a priest or pastor.
n. the office, duties, or functions of a minister of religion; the collective body of clergy in certain denominations.
“After finishing his studies, he decided to enter the ministry.”
“She dedicated her life to the ministry, focusing her efforts on providing spiritual guidance to marginalized communities in the city.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “ministry” in context.
Verb
01. head a ministry
“She was appointed to head the ministry of finance during the economic crisis.”
verb + noun
02. oversee the ministry
“The prime minister will personally oversee the ministry of defense for the time being.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. outward ministry
“The chaplain's outward ministry focused on providing aid to the homeless population.”
adj + noun
04. relevant ministry
“Please submit your application to the relevant ministry for further processing.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. ministry of justice
“The ministry of justice announced new reforms to the legal aid system today.”
noun + of + noun
06. ministry official
“A senior ministry official leaked the document to the press yesterday morning.”
noun + noun
07. ministry spokesperson
“The ministry spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.”
noun + noun
Preposition
08. within the ministry
“There is significant internal pressure for change within the ministry.”
prep + noun
09. ministry spokesman
Real-World Examples
“Ukraine downed more than 40,000 Russian drones in July, almost one and a half times as many as it downed in May, Ukraine’s defence ministry said.” “Iranian media initially reported the origin of the pollution was under investigation and Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday its source was a "foreign bulk ship".” “The Russian foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.” “For more than a year, Ministry of Justice officials have been seriously examining schemes to divert female offenders out of jail.” Etymology
From Middle English mynisterie, borrowed from Old French menistere, in turn borrowed itself from Latin ministerium; equivalent to minister + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
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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QR code
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0