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noun

technocrat

/ˈtɛknəkræt/  ·  say it: TEK·nuh·krat

an expert who governs by technical knowledge rather than politics

In Politics & Diplomacy

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

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.

Register: formal

Common phrases

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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