plutocratic
Americanadjective
Usage
What does plutocratic mean? Plutocratic is used to describe things that involve a plutocracy—a government in which wealthy people use their wealth to rule. Such people can be called plutocrats. Plutocratic is typically used to describe systems that resemble or function as plutocracies or the actions of people considered plutocrats. In a plutocracy, the plutocrats may be the actual leaders, or they may influence or control the decisions that the leaders make. Plutocracy is never used as an official term for a form of government (like democracy is, for example)—it’s almost always applied as a criticism of such situations. Describing something as plutocratic is a way of pointing out inequality and the powerful influence of the wealthy in politics and government. A country that is thought to have a plutocratic government can also be referred to as a plutocracy, as in Many outsiders saw the nation as an oppressive plutocracy. Plutocracy can also refer to the power that this kind of wealth can allow, as in His latest column explains his belief that the government has been corrupted by plutocracy. It can also refer to the wealthy class that is using wealth to rule, as in The businessman was accused of being a member of the plutocracy. Example: Average citizens are angry because they believe billionaires have created a plutocratic system to benefit themselves and their fellow plutocrats.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of plutocratic
Explanation
Use the adjective plutocratic to describe people or systems that are controlled by wealth. A plutocratic government puts all the power in the hands of those with large amounts of money. Plutocratic is often used in a disapproving way to talk about governments that allow people to essentially buy power and influence. An extremely wealthy person who uses their money to get elected is plutocratic, as is an official who accepts financial contributions and gives favors in return. When money is used this way, to influence policy and political appointments, the system is plutocratic. The Greek root, ploutos, means "wealth."
Vocabulary lists containing plutocratic
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.
One virtue of the California proposal is that, even if it fails to get enacted or even to reach the ballot, it may trigger more discussion of options for taxing plutocratic fortunes.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026
But it isn’t a simple story of plutocratic rule.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2023
“You can use the cultural animus foil to hide a lot of plutocratic policy,” said Hammond, who has advised Hawley’s office.
From Washington Post • Dec. 30, 2020
“A plutocratic predator was welcomed into a citadel of American thinking and doing, and this welcome was personally exploited beyond the original relationship,” he wrote.
From New York Times • Sep. 5, 2019
“If your mother could have lived just to see the Captain on his grand plutocratic spree, Grant–” said his father.
From In the Heart of a Fool by White, William Allen
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.
