kleptocracy

American  

[klep-tok-ruh-see] / klɛpˈtɒk rə si /

noun

kleptocracies plural

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

The Swiss attorney general’s office noted last year that “the U.S. Department of Justice described the affair as ‘the largest kleptocracy case to date.’”

From Seattle Times • Apr. 2, 2024

“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

This is the work of a new team within the NCA called K-Cell - the K stands for kleptocracy, which is when rulers use their power to steal their country's resources.

From BBC • May 26, 2022

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