kakistocracy
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˌkækɪˈstɒkrəsi/
- Offensive
:
cacocracia
- In a kakistocracy, leadership is often characterized by corruption and a lack of accountability.
Examples
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Kakistocracy, the base form for "kakistocratism," is in the dictionary; you must just not have a big enough.
Blog text (7) -
The Republican establishment is a kakistocracy.
Blog text (15) -
"Kakistocracy" ...
Blog text (25) -
BHO cites Iran's murderous kakistocracy in reverent terms.
Blog text (1) -
I would like to give recognition and say thank you for your support to Mr. Kenneth, John from Texas, Tony from PA, Jim, and T, and also to MSGH (Ms. Maureen) for the definition of kakistocracy, which is what I believe our failed government has become.
Blog text (7) -
Many citizens are unhappy with the current government, believing it to be a kakistocracy that prioritizes incompetence over merit.
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Critics argue that a kakistocracy leads to poor decision-making, harming the country's progress.
Synonyms
1
9.1
A society or government where foolishness and lack of intelligence are common
Antonyms
How Competent
Surface Forms
Morphology
kakistocracy = kakisto + cracy
Although the word is built from a Greek combining form meaning 'worst' plus '-cracy' meaning 'rule,' the first element is not a familiar English base word, so the meaning is not readily recoverable for most learners.
Etymology
Kakistocracy comes from Greek parts: kakist- meaning 'worst' and -cracy from kratos meaning 'rule', just like in democracy. So a kakistocracy is 'rule by the worst', which explains why it means a government run by the least able or most dishonest people.