power structure

American  

noun

1. the system of authority or influence in government, politics, education, etc..

   The state elections threatened to upset the existing power structure.

2. the people who participate in such a system.

   She hoped to become a part of the power structure.

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power structure British  

noun

1. the structure or distribution of power and authority in a community

2. the people and groups who are part of such a structure

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Etymology

Origin of power structure

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

In the early 1920s, Tojo joined other young officers to break the army’s old-school power structure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Writers, actors, directors, and studio execs harbor animosity for Netflix, which disrupted their business models and shook up the power structure of the industry incumbents.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

Within the current U.S. power structure, Baconi’s arguments are controversial.

From Slate • Nov. 9, 2025

Has the fundamental power structure of the sport changed?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2024

The way to form that community, said Vivian, was by working together to demand that the power structure change.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• hierarchy
• ruling class