Bureaucrat

/ˈbjʊərəkræt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An official who works in a bureaucracy, often characterized by adherence to rules and regulations.

The bureaucrat spent hours filling out forms to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

A person who is involved in the administrative system of government or organization, sometimes perceived as overly concerned with procedures.

Critics argued that the bureaucrat's rigid adherence to protocol hindered progress on the project.

A member of a bureaucracy, often employed by government, who wields power through their position and the system.

As a seasoned bureaucrat, she knew how to navigate the complex government structures to get results.

From French 'bureaucrate', from 'bureau' meaning 'desk' and '-crat' meaning 'power'.

red tape

Excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that hinders action or decision-making.

bureaucratic nightmare

A situation involving complicated rules or processes that create excessive difficulty.

government bureaucrat

An official working in government administration.

bureaucracy

A system of government or management characterized by a hierarchy of officials and an adherence to rules.

regulation

A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.

administration

The process or activity of running a business, organization, etc.

paper pusher

He’s just a paper pusher, not someone who actually gets things done.

desk jockey

As a desk jockey, she spends most of her time filling out forms.