kleptocracy

noun

klep·​toc·​ra·​cy klep-ˈtä-krə-sē 

plural kleptocracies

: government by those who seek chiefly status and personal gain at the expense of the governed

also : a particular government of this kind

kleptocrat

ˈklep-tə-ˌkrat 

noun

kleptocratic

ˌklep-tə-ˈkra-tik 

adjective

Examples of kleptocracy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But its blistering look at power and corruption remains intact, and is even more relevant as the world tilts towards kleptocracy. —Brent Lang, Variety, 1 Sep. 2025

These are the Russian dissidents Putin allegedly targeted at home and abroad for aggressively opposing his autocratic kleptocracy. —Andy Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025

Trump’s critics often describe his Administration as an oligarchy or a kleptocracy, conjuring parallels with Vladimir Putin. —David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2025

Alongside these regulatory and law enforcement measures, Washington should recommit to foreign assistance and diplomacy focused on strengthening the rule of law and fighting kleptocracy and state capture. —Casey Michel, Foreign Affairs, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

klepto- + -cracy

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kleptocracy

• autocracy
• bureaucracy
• democracy
• hypocrisy
• plutocracy
• theocracy
• aristocracy
• meritocracy