Word
office politics
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the way people in a workplace use their power or influence to get an advantage for themselves. It often involves secret plans or trying to please the right people rather than just doing good work.
n. the activities and competitive behaviours used to gain status or advantage within a professional environment. Often carries negative connotations of manipulation or favouritism in contrast to objective professional achievement.
Examples
“She tries to avoid office politics by focusing only on her tasks.”
“Navigating office politics can be just as important as technical skill when you want to get a promotion.”
“In many large corporations, the prevalence of office politics can stifle innovation by rewarding loyalty to powerful individuals rather than the quality of new ideas.”
Examples
simple
“She tries to avoid office politics by focusing only on her tasks.”
contextual
“Navigating office politics can be just as important as technical skill when you want to get a promotion.”
complex
“In many large corporations, the prevalence of office politics can stifle innovation by rewarding loyalty to powerful individuals rather than the quality of new ideas.”
Usage
Always used with a singular verb ('office politics is'), despite the plural appearance of 'politics'.
Pitfall
Office politics are very stressful.
Office politics is very stressful.
Like the word 'politics' itself, this term is treated as an uncountable singular noun.
Related words
- 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
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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