bureaucrat
Pronunciation
Noun
B1 Intermediate
Quick answer
An official who works in a government department, often associated with following strict rules and procedures.
Synonyms and antonyms
Synonyms
Usage notes
Often used with a slightly negative tone to suggest rigid, slow-moving officialdom rather than as a neutral job title.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "The application was stuck on a _____'s desk for three months."
Answer: bureaucrat
In your own words, what does "bureaucrat" mean?
An official who works in a government department, often associated with following strict rules and procedures.
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