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Bureaucrats Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bureaucrats

[ˈbjʊərəˌkræts ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

government officials

Bureaucrats are government officials who are responsible for implementing policies and procedures. They are often portrayed as being overly concerned with rules and regulations, leading to inefficiency and red tape.

Synonyms

administrators, civil servants, officials.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bureaucrats

Used to refer to government or organizational staff, often in a disparaging way, when talking about inefficiency or rigid adherence to rules.

  • The new policy got stuck in the hands of the bureaucrats for months.
  • Many people blame the bureaucrats for the red tape that slows down processes.
officials

General term referring to people holding an authoritative position, particularly in government or large organizations, often used in formal contexts.

  • Government officials met to discuss the new regulations.
  • Local officials have announced plans to improve the city's infrastructure.
administrators

Applies to individuals responsible for running organizations, such as schools, hospitals, or businesses, usually emphasizing management and organizational tasks.

  • The school administrators decided to extend the term by another week.
  • He got promoted to one of the top administrators of the company.
civil servants

Describes employees working in government departments to implement public policies and provide public services, with a neutral or positive connotation.

  • Civil servants play a crucial role in the effective administration of public services.
  • As a civil servant, she is committed to serving her community.

Examples of usage

  • The bureaucrats in this department are known for their slow decision-making process.
  • She had to navigate through the bureaucracy of bureaucrats to get approval for her project.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Bureaucracy became prominent during the 19th century as governments expanded in response to industrialization and urbanization.
  • Important figures in the establishment of modern bureaucracy include Max Weber, who described its characteristics in the early 20th century.

Pop Culture

  • Bureaucrats are often portrayed in films and literature as symbols of red tape and inefficiency, reflecting public perceptions about government.
  • In the animated film 'Zootopia', the character Bellwether represents the stereotypical bureaucrat who uses her position for personal gain.

Psychology

  • Studies show that environments characterized by strong bureaucratic practices can lead to employee dissatisfaction due to rigid structures.
  • The concept of 'bureaucratic inertia' explains how organizations can continue to operate in outdated ways despite changing circumstances.

Science and Technology

  • The rise of technology has led to discussions about 'e-bureaucracy', where digital tools help streamline bureaucratic processes.
  • Data management systems and algorithms are increasingly used by bureaucrats to improve decision-making and efficiency in government operations.

Origin of 'bureaucrats'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from 'bureau', meaning office in French, combined with 'crat', which means 'rule' or 'power' from Greek.
  • The word was first used in the early 18th century to refer to officials who managed government paperwork.

The term 'bureaucrat' originated from the French word 'bureau' meaning desk or office, and the Greek word 'kratos' meaning rule or power. It first appeared in the early 19th century to describe government officials who work in a bureaucratic system. Bureaucracy has been a fundamental part of modern governance, but it has also been criticized for its inefficiency and lack of flexibility.

See also: bureaucratically.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,745, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.