noun
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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
From his new perch he will continue to torment officialdom — and surely endure some torment of his own.
From Washington Times • Nov. 23, 2023
He often spoke about his connections to officialdom, two people who knew him said, on condition of anonymity.
From Reuters • Nov. 14, 2023
Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham were the beneficiaries of a truly horrendous error from officialdom that ensured the Australian's superb start rolled on with a controversial victory over Liverpool.
From BBC • Sep. 30, 2023
They were slow, they were thorough; none of the slapdash arrogance and sudden deviousness that marked Karhidish officialdom.
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
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.
