technocrat
an expert who governs by technical knowledge rather than politics
In more detail
1. (noun) a person who has power or influence because of their technical knowledge or expertise, especially in government or business
Examples
- The team of technocrats redesigned the company's entire IT infrastructure.
How to use technocrat
Technocrat typically refers to someone who holds power or decision-making authority primarily because of specialized technical or scientific knowledge rather than democratic or political legitimacy. It often carries a slightly critical or neutral tone, sometimes implying that such leaders may prioritize technical solutions over broader social or political concerns. The term is used mainly in formal political and organizational contexts.
Common phrases
- technocrat in government
- technocrat approach
- rising technocrats
- technocratic elite
- technocratic decision-making
Synonyms
expert · specialist · professional · technical expert · engineer
Opposites
generalist · layperson · amateur
Word family
technocratic (adjective) · technocracy (noun) · technocratically (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse technocrat with technician; a technocrat holds power and influence, while a technician is a skilled worker who implements technical tasks without necessarily having authority.
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