micromanage

verb

mi·​cro·​man·​age ˌmī-krō-ˈma-nij How to pronounce micromanage (audio)
micromanaged; micromanaging; micromanages

transitive verb

: to manage especially with excessive control or attention to details

intransitive verb

: to direct or conduct the activities of a group or an enterprise by micromanaging them
micromanagement noun
micromanager noun

Examples of micromanage in a Sentence

He micromanaged every detail of the budget.
Recent Examples on the Web Today’s micromanaging episode inspired me to write. Sahaj Kaur Kohli, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024 Here's a roundup of those responses: Someone who values teachers, supports them without micromanaging and is focused on retaining staff. The Enquirer, 17 Mar. 2024 Manifests as micromanaging behavior and an inability to delegate or trust others, leading to stress and frustration. Mark Travers, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Burdick said his management style was to empower and not micromanage. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 7 Jan. 2024 Sure, the Pikmin were cute, but micromanaging their every move didn’t seem worth the effort. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2023 While certain executives’ desire to micromanage at times outweighs this desire for personal flexibility, many upper-level management have actually been staying at home and pushing against RTO mandates more than their teams. Bychloe Berger, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2024 In some states, educators are being undermined, micromanaged, and even criminalized just for doing their jobs. Detroit Free Press Staff, Detroit Free Press, 24 Jan. 2024 Speaking of boundaries…they’re not only for toxic family members and micromanaging bosses. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 2 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'micromanage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of micromanage was in 1976

Dictionary Entries Near micromanage

Cite this Entry

“Micromanage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/micromanage. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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