bureaucracy

Too many official rules and steps that make getting things done difficult.

• We faced endless bureaucracy when opening the shop.
• The new system should reduce bureaucracy.
• Why does a simple permit involve so much bureaucracy?

Similar words: red tape

Common phrases: unnecessary bureaucracy, cut bureaucracy

A system of managing work through departments, clear job duties, and different levels of authority.

• A modern bureaucracy assigns clear duties to each department.
• The company developed a bureaucracy as it grew.
• Written procedures are a central part of this bureaucracy.

Common phrases: administrative bureaucracy, modern bureaucracy

A way of governing in which officials make most important decisions.

• The country was governed through a powerful bureaucracy.
• Under bureaucracy, officials make decisions that elected leaders might otherwise make.
• The essay compares bureaucracy with rule by a single leader.

Common phrases: state bureaucracy, rule by bureaucracy