bureaucratic

bureaucratic — adjective

1. full of official steps and paperwork in a way that slows action and makes easy t

1.形容詞C1
釋義

full of official steps and paperwork in a way that slows action and makes easy tasks harder.

例句

Applying for the permit was so bureaucratic that Omar missed the deadline.

so bureaucratic that + clause

Residents hate the bureaucratic process for replacing a broken parking pass.

bureaucratic process

同義詞
  • cumbersome

    broader word for anything awkward or difficult to handle

  • rule-bound

    stresses strict obedience to rules

  • formalistic

    focuses on following form and rules more than practical results

  • procedural

    often more neutral and simply about process

反義詞
  • streamlined

    describes a process made simple and efficient

  • efficient

    focuses on getting results quickly and with little waste

  • flexible

    allows easy adjustment instead of rigid steps

文法句型

bureaucratic + process/procedure/paperwork

so bureaucratic that + clause

become bureaucratic

用法筆記

Often used critically about procedures, applications, offices, and replies. Distinguish this sense from adjective/2: here the speaker is complaining that official rules or paperwork are making something slow.

常見錯誤

❌The clerk was bureaucratic because he wore a suit.
✅The complaint process was bureaucratic because it needed four signatures.
💡This sense describes rule-heavy procedures, not someone's clothes or appearance.

2. relating to a government or large organization run through layers of offices, of

2.形容詞C1
釋義

relating to a government or large organization run through layers of offices, officials, and set procedures.

例句

The ministry grew more bureaucratic after it opened six regional offices.

more bureaucratic after + change

A bureaucratic culture at the tax office meant even small decisions moved upstairs.

bureaucratic culture

同義詞
  • administrative

    more neutral and focused on management work in offices

  • governmental

    specifically linked to government, not companies or charities

  • institutional

    connected with an organization as a system, without stressing officials

  • official

    broader and does not by itself suggest many levels or offices

反義詞
  • informal

    not organized through fixed official structures

  • nonbureaucratic

    direct opposite for systems without heavy administrative layers

文法句型

bureaucratic + system/structure/culture

become bureaucratic

more bureaucratic after + change

用法筆記

Usually appears before nouns such as system, structure, culture, machine, and state. Distinguish this sense from adjective/1: this one can simply identify an official administrative style, while adjective/1 stresses delay and unnecessary formal steps.

常見錯誤

❌Our family dinner is bureaucratic because my father cooks.
✅Our family business became bureaucratic after it added five managers.
💡This sense needs an organized system with layers of administration, not any situation with authority.