bureaucratic

[ byoor-uh-krat-ik ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a bureaucrat or a bureaucracy; arbitrary and routine.

bureaucratic

/ ˌbjʊərəˈkrætɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to bureaucrats; characterized by bureaucracy

Derived Forms

• ˌbureauˈcratically, adverb

Other Words From

• bureau·crati·cal·ly adverb
• anti·bureau·cratic adjective
• nonbu·reau·cratic adjective
• nonbu·reau·crati·cal·ly adverb
• semi·bureau·cratic adjective
• semi·bureau·crati·cal·ly adverb
• unbu·reau·cratic adjective
• unbu·reau·crati·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bureaucratic¹

From the French word bureaucratique, dating back to 1830–40. See bureaucrat, -ic

Example Sentences

He keeps the convoys moving smoothly and free of bureaucratic hold-ups as they cross the border.

From BBC

And his economic vision includes reducing bureaucratic red tape that makes it harder for businesses to succeed, while transforming empty commercial space for artists, nightlife and other creative industries.

From Los Angeles Times

But we can see by this early decision to delay this standard bureaucratic process that our impression that they don't plan to play by any of the usual rules is correct.

From Salon

That bureaucratic shuffle would remove federal air pollution regulations that govern the facilities’ toxic air emissions, Pew said.

From Salon

Her emergency declaration enabled the city to cut through bureaucratic red tape to more quickly move people off the streets and into shelter and services.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commanding
• directorial
• governmental
• legislative
• ministerial
• organizational
• policy-making
• regulatory
• supervisory