Bureaucratic: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that involves a lot of complex rules and procedures, often in a negative sense, implying inefficiency and rigidity.

• Dealing with the bureaucratic process can be really time-consuming and frustrating.
• The company has become too bureaucratic to respond swiftly to market changes.

Used when referring to something formally or officially sanctioned by an organization or authority, can also signify authorized documentation or announcements.

• He received an official letter from the government.
• The official statement was released earlier today.

Used for tasks related to the management and organization of an institution, focusing on the practical execution of policies and procedures.

• She handles the administrative duties for the department.
• Administrative work includes organizing schedules and maintaining records.

Used to refer to actions that follow a specific sequence of steps or processes, often in legal, medical, or organizational contexts.

• The investigation is still in its procedural stages.
• Procedural compliance is vital to ensure safety standards.

This word is typically used to describe a system, organization, or procedure that is overly complex with many rules and regulations, often leading to inefficiency. It often carries a negative connotation, implying unnecessary complication.

• The company’s bureaucratic procedures made it difficult to get anything done quickly.
• She was frustrated with the bureaucratic hurdles she had to overcome to get the permit.

Red-tape refers to excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that hinders or prevents action or decision-making. It has a strongly negative connotation, highlighting frustration and delay caused by unnecessary formalities.

• Starting a new business involves cutting through a lot of red-tape.
• They faced endless red-tape when trying to get their project approved.

This term is often used to describe tasks or systems that require an excessive amount of documentation and administrative work. It usually has a negative connotation, indicating a burden of filing and form completion.

• The job was so paperwork-heavy that he spent most of his time filling out forms rather than doing actual work.
• Navigating the system was difficult because it was so paperwork-heavy.