bureaucratic

adjective

bu·​reau·​crat·​ic ˌbyu̇r-ə-ˈkra-tik 

ˌbyər-

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a bureaucracy or a bureaucrat

bureaucratic government

a bureaucratic organization

bureaucratic procedures

bureaucratically

ˌbyu̇r-ə-ˈkra-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌbyər-

adverb

Examples of bureaucratic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His superpower is sifting through mountains of bureaucratic paperwork, finding patterns that help solve cases. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 Nov. 2025

In a blog post, the company said the nationwide layoffs were part of an effort to be leaner and less bureaucratic. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2025

Caught in the bureaucratic procedures of seeking asylum, Abu Daqqa still doesn't know if or when he'll be reunited with his family. —NPR, 24 Nov. 2025

Neal developed a reputation as an adept bureaucratic salesman, but one with a sometimes combative style. —Sean Patrick Cooper, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French bureaucratique, from bureaucrate bureaucrat or bureaucratie bureaucracy + -ique -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bureaucratic

• anti-bureaucratic

Rhymes for bureaucratic

• adiabatic
• aristocratic
• asymptomatic
• axiomatic
• diagrammatic
• diaphragmatic
• electrostatic
• endolymphatic
• epigrammatic
• homeostatic
• idiomatic
• magnetostatic

Kids Definition

bureaucratic

adjective

bu·​reau·​crat·​ic ˌbyu̇r-ə-ˈkrat-ik 

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a bureaucracy or bureaucrat

bureaucratically

-ˈkrat-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb