plutocratic

American  

[ploo-tuh-krat-ik] / ˌplu təˈkræt ɪk /

Often plutocratical

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by a plutocracy or plutocrats.

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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

• nonplutocratic adjective
• nonplutocratical adjective
• plutocratically adverb
• unplutocratic adjective
• unplutocratical adjective

Etymology

Origin of plutocratic

First recorded in 1865–70; plutocrat + -ic

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."

Example Sentences

But it isn’t a simple story of plutocratic rule.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2023

New Money, fueled by tech, finance, oil, celebrity, etc., creates new markets for ultra-luxe goods and services, displacing older, aristocratic conventions with newer, plutocratic ones.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2022

The real UFOs at Frick Madison, expected in the first quarter of 2021, may therefore be the decorative arts: all those gilded clocks, all that Meissen porcelain, relocated from plutocratic salons into cubes of concrete.

From New York Times • Dec. 31, 2020

“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

The place is not frequented by plutocratic tourists, and so her tips are meagre.

From Literary Tours in The Highlands and Islands of Scotland by Holmes, Daniel Turner