kleptocracy

American  

[klep-tok-ruh-see] / klɛpˈtɒk rə si /

noun

plural

kleptocracies

1. a government or state in which those in power exploit national resources and steal; rule by a thief or thieves.

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kleptocracy British  

/ ˌklɛpˈtɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. informal a government where officials are politically corrupt and financially self-interested

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Other Word Forms

• kleptocrat noun
• kleptocratic adjective

Etymology

Origin of kleptocracy

1815–20; klepto- (combining form of Greek kléptēs thief) + -cracy

Explanation

When the leaders of a country focus on becoming rich and powerful at the expense of its citizens, that country is a kleptocracy. In a true kleptocracy, ordinary citizens live in poverty as the government uses public funds for its own benefit, or to help friends and family members. Leaders in this kind of government often have luxurious lives, and ongoing corruption (including bribes and financial kickbacks) keeps them in power. Kleptocracy comes from Greek roots, kléptēs, "thief," and krátos, "power."

Example Sentences

Officials also cite outflows of personal fortunes belonging to connected Iranians, described as the spoils of classic kleptocracy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Justice Department once described as the “biggest kleptocracy case” ever.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 2, 2024

The United States has said the 1MDB case was its largest ever kleptocracy investigation.

From Reuters • Oct. 12, 2023

“It should be noted that the U.S. Department of Justice described the affair as ‘the largest kleptocracy case to date,’” the attorney general’s office said.

From Washington Times • Apr. 25, 2023

The remaining way for kleptocrats to gain public support is to construct an ideology or religion justifying kleptocracy.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond