idiocratic

English

Alternative forms

• idiocratical

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˌɪdioʊˈkɹætɪk/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˌɪdioʊˈkɹætɪk/

Etymology 1

From idiocrasy +‎ -cratic, as with other -crasy + -cratic adjectives (e.g., idiosyncratic).

Adjective

idiocratic (comparative more idiocratic, superlative most idiocratic)

1. (dated, rare) Synonym of idiosyncratic.

Usage notes

Do not confuse idiocratic ("idiosyncratic") with its historically newer homophonic and homographic homonym, idiocratic ("pertaining to rule by idiots"), nor with its older homophone, ideocratic ("pertaining to rule by ideologues").

Etymology 2

From idiocracy +‎ -cratic, as with other -ocracy + -cratic adjectives (e.g., plutocratic, kleptocratic, autocratic).

Adjective

idiocratic (comparative more idiocratic, superlative most idiocratic)

1. Pertaining to, or characterized by, idiocracy.

Usage notes

Do not confuse idiocratic ("pertaining to rule by idiots") with its historically older homophonic and homographic homonym, idiocratic ("idiosyncratic"), nor with its other older homophone, ideocratic ("pertaining to rule by ideologues").