Meaning & Definition of word "Bureaucratic"

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    Bureaucratic

    /ˌbjʊə.rəˈkræt.ɪk/

    adjective:

    • 1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of a bureaucracy, often relating to excessive red tape and formal procedures.
      • Example: The company's bureaucratic procedures delayed the approval process for several months.
    • 2. Rigidly adhering to rules and regulations, often at the expense of efficiency or common sense.
      • Example: His bureaucratic mindset made it difficult for the team to innovate and adapt to new challenges.
    • 3. Involving a complex system of administration marked by inaction and excessive reliance on procedures.
      • Example: The bureaucratic nature of the government made it hard for citizens to navigate the system.
    • 4. Characterized by inefficiencies due to excessive rules and regulations.
      • Example: Their bureaucratic structure led to a lack of responsiveness to customer complaints.
    • 5. Related to a large organization where decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
      • Example: She felt frustrated by the bureaucratic approach taken by the local council in handling community issues.

    Etymology

    From French 'bureau' meaning 'desk' and 'crat' meaning 'rule'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    bureaucratic red tape:

    Excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is often considered to hinder action or decision-making.

    bureaucratic nightmare:

    A situation characterized by complicated and inefficient procedures.

    bureaucratic inertia:

    The tendency for bureaucratic systems to resist change or innovation.

    Related Words

    bureau:

    A government department or part of an organization.

    bureaucracy:

    A system of government in which most decisions are made by state officials rather than elected representatives.

    Slang Meanings of bureaucratic

    Meaning: Bureaucratic hassle

    Example Sentence: Dealing with the corporate bureaucracy is just a bureaucratic hassle.

    Meaning: Red tape

    Example Sentence: Getting the permit was all red tape due to bureaucratic delays.