Machiavellianism

American  

[mak-ee-uh-vel-ee-uh-niz-uhm] / ˌmæk i əˈvɛl i əˌnɪz əm /

Rarely Machiavelianism

noun

1. a political theory advocating the principles of government analyzed in Machiavelli’s The Prince , in which political expediency is placed above morality, and craft and deceit are used to maintain the authority and carry out the policies of a ruler.

   In this and other countries, Machiavellianism currently dominates foreign policy.

2. behavior characterized by subtle or unscrupulous cunning, deception, expediency, or dishonesty.

   The dark side of social intelligence includes the impulsive, thrill-seeking, callous behavior of psychopaths and the deceitful and exploitative nature of Machiavellianism.

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Etymology

Origin of Machiavellianism

Machiavellian ( def. ) + -ism ( def. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Machiavellianism

In one 2022 study, researchers explored whether increasing agreeableness would decrease levels of what is called the dark triad — or Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 13, 2026

Set in a post-apocalyptic Outback, Broken Roads leans heavily into its “Moral Compass,” with options that reflect four different philosophies: utilitarianism, nihilism, Machiavellianism and humanism.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 7, 2024

To that point, people who engage in "compulsive" internet use are more likely to exhibit the "Dark Triad" traits of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy.

From Salon ● Jan. 6, 2023

In an interview with the Africa Report website in 2020, former President Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo, who was ousted by Sankara, described him as having "a share of cynicism and political Machiavellianism".

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2021

This unconfessed vision was one of several causes which had contributed to intensify his inherent tendency towards Machiavellianism and secretiveness.

From The Old Wives' Tale by Arnold Bennett

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