Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to a bureaucracy or bureaucrats: Pertaining to the system, structure, or characteristics of a bureaucracy—a large, complex administrative organization with many departments and standardized procedures.
   • Characterized by rigid adherence to rules and procedures: Describing a way of operating that is overly concerned with administrative routine, formal rules, and hierarchical authority, often leading to inefficiency, delay, or red tape.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The process for getting a visa was slow and bureaucratic. (The process was inefficient due to complex administrative rules.)
  • She was frustrated by the bureaucratic hurdles involved in starting a business. (She was frustrated by the many official obstacles and paperwork.)
  • The company's bureaucratic structure made quick decisions impossible. (The company's hierarchical and rule-bound organization prevented swift action.)

Advanced Usage

• "bureaucratic inertia": The resistance to change or action within a bureaucratic system due to its size, complexity, or adherence to established procedures.
  • The project failed due to bureaucratic inertia and a lack of innovative thinking.
• "bureaucratic apparatus": The entire system or machinery of a bureaucracy.
  • The new policy required the mobilization of the entire state bureaucratic apparatus.

Variants and Related Words

• Bureaucracy (n): 1. A system of government or business with many departments, complex rules, and hierarchical levels. 2. The officials administering such a system, collectively.
  • The proposal was lost in the maze of government bureaucracy.
• Bureaucrat (n): An official in a bureaucracy, especially one who follows rules rigidly.
  • The bureaucrat insisted on seeing the form in triplicate.
• Bureaucratically (adv): In a bureaucratic manner.
  • The matter was handled bureaucratically, with little regard for urgency.

Synonyms

• Administrative: Pertaining to the management of an organization.
• Official: Relating to an authority or public body; formal.
• Red-tape: Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to official rules and formalities. (Often used as a noun, e.g., "a lot of red tape").

Antonyms

• Streamlined: Made more efficient and simple by removing unnecessary parts.
• Flexible: Capable of adapting or being modified easily.
• Unbureaucratic: Not characterized by bureaucracy; informal and efficient.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or resembling a bureaucrat or bureaucracy
   • his bureaucratic behavior annoyed his colleagues
   • a bureaucratic nightmare