technocracy

[tek-nok-ruh-see]

noun

plural

technocracies 

1. a theory and movement, prominent about 1932, advocating control of industrial resources, reform of financial institutions, and reorganization of the social system, based on the findings of technologists and engineers.

2. a system of government in which this theory is applied.

3. any application of this theory.

technocracy

/ ˈtɛknəˌkræt, tɛkˈnɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. a theory or system of society according to which government is controlled by scientists, engineers, and other experts

2. a body of such experts

3. a state considered to be governed or organized according to these principles

technocracy

¹

1. The control of government and society by people with technical skills, especially engineers.

technocracy

²

1. A type of society marked by the dominant role of people with specialized technical skills, particularly engineers.

Other Word Forms

• technocratic adjective
• technocrat noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of technocracy¹

First recorded in 1919; techno- + -cracy

Example Sentences

However, the technocracy movement dates back to the 1930s, when it won thousands of followers and adopted some unnerving authoritarian hallmarks, such as its adherents dressing similarly and greeting each other with a specific salute.

From Salon

Not that we need much of a reminder, but we are presently backsliding into the future in a way that makes the technocracy Scott introduced in 1979 more plausible than ever.

From Salon

His reactionary brand of “America First” nationalism entailed stoking populist skepticism of technological progress, and centering American interests ahead of what he called the emerging “globalist technocracy.”

From Salon

She talked of the "tyranny of the technocracy", the "power of the administrative state" and argued that "there is something rather undemocratic about this".

From BBC

Group three - the technocracy - should also be open to the ambassador's advances.

From BBC