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officialdom

American  
[uh-fish-uhl-duhm] / əˈfɪʃ əl dəm /

noun

  1. the class or entire body of officials; officials as a whole.

  2. the position or domain of officials.

officialdom British  
/ əˈfɪʃəldəm /

noun

  1. the outlook or behaviour of officials, esp those rigidly adhering to regulations; bureaucracy

  2. officials or bureaucrats collectively

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of officialdom

First recorded in 1860–65; official + -dom

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Despite her energetic enquiries to several layers of officialdom within Germany and beyond, Usik says she "hasn't been able to find a solution".

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

The findings were seen as vindication for those who found themselves facing down powerful officialdom, the state, and religious institutions - and often struggling to be believed.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2024

He often spoke about his connections to officialdom, two people who knew him said, on condition of anonymity.

From Reuters • Nov. 14, 2023

But on the principle that one waits to be asked to join the most exclusive clubs, Seoul officialdom is keeping mum.

From Washington Times • May 18, 2023

She was loved by many Hayti residents and feared, though often respected, by her numerous foes in Durham’s officialdom.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.