| 释义 |
bu·reauc·ra·cy
\byüˈräkrəsē, byu̇ˈ-, byəˈ- sometimes ÷bəˈ- or -rōk-\ noun
(-es)
Etymology: French bureaucratie, from bureau + -cratie -cracy
1.
a.
(1) : the whole body of nonelective government officials
< criticized the growth of the bureaucracy >
(2) : a particular group of government officials
< Uncle Sam's vast overseas bureaucracy — Carter Henderson >
b. : the administrative policy-making group in any large organization
< a cleavage between the bureaucracy and the working membership of the unions >
2. : systematic administration characterized by specialization of functions, objective qualifications for office, action according to fixed rules, and a hierarchy of authority
3.
a. : a system of administration marked by constant striving for increased functions and power, by lack of initiative and flexibility, by indifference to human needs or public opinion, and by a tendency to defer decisions to superiors or to impede action with red tape
< inveighed against the evils of bureaucracy >
b. : the body of officials that gives effect to such a system
< caught in the meshes of a timid and heartless bureaucracy > |