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bureaucracy

Noun

IPA /bjʊəˈrɒkrəsi/

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Meaning in plain English

A system of official procedures and rules, especially when it feels unnecessarily complicated.

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Pronunciation

bureaucracy/bjʊəˈrɒkrəsi/

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One simple request
Several forms and approvals
A long procedural delay

Bureaucracy can involve complicated official procedures that make a simple task slow.

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Weeks of bureaucracy delayed the opening of the neighbourhood centre.
The team simplified the forms to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.

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Weeks of ________ delayed the opening of the neighbourhood centre.

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bureaucracy — A system of official procedures and rules, especially when it feels unnecessarily complicated.

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A system of official procedures and rules, especially when it feels unnecessarily complicated.

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Word origin

From French bureaucratie, formed using bureau, an office or desk.

Did you know?

Cut bureaucracy and reduce bureaucracy describe simplifying official processes.

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