Meaning & Definition of word "Bureaucratic"
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.