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Bureaucratic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bureaucratic

[bjสŠษ™หˆrษ’krษ™tษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

government

Relating to the system of government where decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

Synonyms

administrative, official, procedural.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bureaucratic

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.
official

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.
administrative

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.
procedural

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.

Examples of usage

  • The bureaucratic system can sometimes be slow and inefficient.
  • Bureaucratic red tape can be frustrating for citizens trying to navigate government processes.
Context #2 | Adjective

organization

Involving complicated rules and procedures, often resulting in delays or inefficiency.

Synonyms

paperwork-heavy, red-tape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bureaucratic

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 companyโ€™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

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.
paperwork-heavy

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.

Examples of usage

  • The company's bureaucratic structure made it difficult to implement changes quickly.
  • Cutting through the bureaucratic layers proved to be a time-consuming process.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Science

  • Bureaucratic structures are often criticized for being overly complex and slow to adapt to change.
  • Max Weber, a sociologist, characterized bureaucracies as organizations that rely on a structured hierarchy and clear rules to function.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, bureaucratic characters often portray the frustrating side of government or corporate processes, highlighting inefficiencies.
  • The term 'red tape' is often used to describe the paperwork and procedures characteristic of a bureaucratic system.

Psychology

  • Studies show that bureaucratic environments can lead to increased stress for workers due to rigid rules and a lack of creativity.
  • Anonymity in large bureaucracies may lead to a phenomenon known as 'deindividuation', making people feel less responsible for their actions.

History

  • The rise of bureaucratic administrations coincided with the development of modern nation-states in the 19th century.
  • In ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and China, bureaucratic systems were used for tax collection, resource distribution, and social order.

Origin of 'bureaucratic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French word 'bureau', meaning desk, combined with 'cratic', from the Greek 'kratia' meaning power or rule.
  • It was first used in the 18th century to describe a system of government administration.

The word 'bureaucratic' is derived from the French word 'bureaucratie', which was coined by the French economist Jean Claude Marie Vincent de Gournay in the 18th century. The term became popularized during the Industrial Revolution when there was a need for administrative structures to manage large organizations. Bureaucratic systems were seen as a way to bring order and efficiency to complex institutions. Over time, the word has come to be associated with excessive rules, regulations, and inefficiency in both government and private sector organizations.

See also: bureau, bureaucracy, bureaucrat.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,885 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.