Definition

A system of managing a government or organization through various departments and officials who are not elected, often characterized by strict rules and procedures.

Example

The new policy aims to reduce the amount of red tape in the bureaucracy.

Conversation

I heard that getting a permit can take ages because of the bureaucracy.

Yeah, I can believe that! It seems like everything is stuck in red tape.

It's so frustrating when simple things get delayed by the system.

Totally! Sometimes I wish they could just simplify the whole bureaucracy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bureaucracy → It is formed from "bureau" (from French, meaning desk or office) and "-cracy" (from Greek "kratos", meaning power or rule). The term describes a system of government or management characterized by a hierarchy of offices and rules, literally meaning rule by office.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'desk' ('bureau') where decisions are made and 'power' ('-cracy') is exercised — that's how bureaucracy refers to a system of management.

Visually Confused Words