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

Other Word Forms

• bureaucratically adverb
• antibureaucratic adjective
• nonbureaucratic adjective
• nonbureaucratically adverb
• semibureaucratic adjective
• semibureaucratically adverb
• unbureaucratic adjective
• unbureaucratically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bureaucratic¹

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

Example Sentences

Who knew a place some consider to be one of the supreme symbols of American bureaucratic inefficiency could hold such wonder?

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It also needs to remove obstacles that stand in the way: excessive regulation, bureaucratic delay, partisan gridlock and an education system misaligned with the skills we need.

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There are then several bureaucratic hurdles that need to be negotiated before the name Kruger ever disappears from tourism brochures.

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Hernandez’s Bastian is a formidable presence, angry, strict and domineering — the qualities he’s needed to navigate a bureaucratic system that has little concern for the feelings of immigrant outsiders.

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Southers remained after serving out that term because of a bureaucratic loophole that allows new members to join any city commission if the City Council fails to vote on their appointment within 45 days.

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Related Words

• commanding 
• directorial 
• governmental www.thesaurus.com
• legislative 
• ministerial 
• organizational www.thesaurus.com
• policy-making www.thesaurus.com
• regulatory 
• supervisory