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

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

The business community's response will define whether America remains a democratic republic or becomes a kleptocracy where presidential favor determines corporate survival. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025

So Iran functions as somewhat of a kleptocracy, but also a heavily ideological one. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 24 June 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