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micromanage

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈmæn.ɪdʒ/

KK: /maɪkroʊˈmænɪdʒ/

transitive verb
Definition

To control or oversee every small detail of a task or project, often in a way that is overly involved or intrusive.


Example

The manager tends to micromanage her team, checking every detail of their work.


Tense Forms

Past: micromanaged

Past Participle: micromanaged


Conversation
Sloth A
I feel like my boss tends to micromanage every little detail at work.
Sloth B
That sounds frustrating! It can really stifle creativity.
Sloth A
Exactly! I wish they would trust us more instead of trying to micromanage everything.
Sloth B
Yeah, giving people some freedom usually leads to better results.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
oversee
control
supervise
Antonyms
delegate
ignore
neglect
Root Explanation

Micromanage → It is formed from "micro-" (from Greek "mikros", meaning small) and "manage" (from Old French "managier", meaning to handle or control). The word describes the act of managing with excessive attention to small details.

Memory Tip

Think of 'small' ('micro-') details being 'handled' ('manage') — that's why micromanage means to control every little aspect.

Visually Confused Words
mismanage
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