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misocracy
/mɪˈsɒkrəsi/
rule by the worst citizens
The historian argued that the regime was a misocracy, where incompetent leaders dominated.
The historian claimed the government was controlled by the worst people in society.
formal
A system of government or social structure in which the worst or least qualified individuals hold power.
Corruption and nepotism led to a misocracy where unqualified relatives of officials were appointed to key positions.
Dishonesty and favoritism resulted in a system where the worst people gained power through family connections.
Often used critically to describe dysfunctional governance or social hierarchies.
Collocations
rise of misocracythe emergence of rule by the worst individualsmisocracy in politicsa political system dominated by unqualified leaders
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Contextual Use
Use 'misocracy' to describe systems where incompetence or corruption is systemic, not just isolated cases.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overgeneralization
Don't apply this term to all governments or systems—reserve it for clearly dysfunctional cases.
Word Origin
From Greek 'misos' (hatred) + 'kratos' (rule), literally 'rule by the worst'. Coined in the 19th century to describe corrupt or incompetent governance.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in academic or political discourse to critique systems where power is held by unqualified or corrupt individuals.
Word Breakdown
mis-
bad, worst
prefix-cracy
rule, government
suffixEnglish Dictionary