noun
-
the outlook or behaviour of officials, esp those rigidly adhering to regulations; bureaucracy
-
officials or bureaucrats collectively
Etymology
Origin of officialdom
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 modest scale of his work, its whiff of the romantic past, puts it at odds with the epic proportions and air of officialdom of I.M.
From New York Times • Jan. 15, 2024
From his new perch he will continue to torment officialdom — and surely endure some torment of his own.
From Washington Times • Nov. 23, 2023
Borthwick hailed England's fans in Marseille saying their support helped his team overcome their latest brush with officialdom when Tom Curry was shown a third-minute red card against Argentina.
From BBC • Sep. 15, 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.
