/
ˌbjʊ(ə)ˈrɒkrəsi/
n.
(pl. bureaucracies)
- a system of government in which most decisions are taken by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
- excessively complicated administrative procedure.
Derivative
- bureaucratization
or bureaucratisation n. - bureaucratize
or bureaucratise v.
Etymology
C19: from Fr. bureaucratie, from bureau (see bureau).