noun

kleptocracy

/klɛpˈtɒkrəsi/ · say it: klep·TAH·kruh·see

government by those who seek to enrich themselves through power

In more detail

1. (noun) a government or system in which the leaders and officials steal money and property from the country for their own benefit

2. (noun) a country ruled by such a government

Examples

1. The corrupt officials turned the nation into a kleptocracy, with billions of dollars disappearing from public funds.
2. Citizens fled the kleptocracy as their leaders looted the country's wealth.

How to use kleptocracy

Kleptocracy is a formal, analytical term used primarily in political discourse, journalism, and academic contexts to describe systems where state officials systematically enrich themselves through embezzlement and theft. It emphasizes the systemic nature of corruption rather than isolated incidents, and carries strong negative connotations. The term is more specific and technical than general words like corruption.

Common phrases

rampant kleptocracy
endemic kleptocracy
kleptocratic regime
descent into kleptocracy
accused of kleptocracy

Synonyms

plutocracy · autocracy · despotism · corruption

Opposites

democracy · meritocracy

Word family

kleptocrat · kleptocratic

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse kleptocracy with other forms of authoritarian rule (autocracy, dictatorship) without recognizing that kleptocracy specifically centers on systematic theft of state resources by officials.

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