Definition

Adjective: - Not democratic; contrary to democratic principles or practices: Describes actions, systems, or behaviors that do not uphold or align with the ideals of democracy, such as equality, popular participation, and fair representation.

Usage

The adjective "undemocratic" is used to criticize or describe processes, decisions, institutions, or actions that are authoritarian, exclusive, or unfair, and that violate the core tenets of democracy. - It typically modifies nouns like procedures, regime, law, practice, or system. - It often carries a negative connotation of disapproval.

Examples

• The new electoral law was widely criticized as undemocratic.
• Making such a major decision without a vote is completely undemocratic.
• The union broke with its past undemocratic procedures to adopt a more inclusive system.

Advanced Usage

• "inherently undemocratic": Describes something that is fundamentally opposed to democratic ideals by its very nature.
  • A system with no public oversight is inherently undemocratic.
• "seen/perceived as undemocratic": Highlights the subjective judgment or public perception of an action.
  • The leader's unilateral decree was seen as deeply undemocratic.

Variants and Related Words

• Undemocratically (adverb): In a manner not in accordance with democratic principles.
  • The council acted undemocratically by silencing opposition voices.

Synonyms

• Authoritarian: Favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom.
• Autocratic: Relating to a ruler who has absolute power; taking no account of other people's wishes or opinions.
• Tyrannical: Exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way.
• Despotic: Of or typical of a despot; tyrannical.

Antonyms

• Democratic: Relating to or supporting democracy or its principles.
• Egalitarian: Believing in or based on the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.
• Participatory: Involving or characterized by participation, especially in decision-making.

Adjective

1. not in agreement with or according to democratic doctrine or practice or ideals
   • the union broke with its past undemocratic procedures