administrative
uhd-MIHN-ih-struh-tihv
Administrative (adj) means relating to the management or organization of something, especially paperwork and processes. Example: “She handles all the administrative tasks for the department.”
adj
1
Relating to the management or organization of something, especially paperwork and processes.
"She handles all the administrative tasks for the department."
"He moved to an administrative role so he could work regular office hours."
"Most of the delay was caused by administrative errors in the booking system."
How to use administrative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with managing, organizing, or running the practical side of a business or office.
Common pairings
administrative assistant
administrative duties
administrative costs
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more administrative
- Superlative
- most administrative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She handles all the _____ tasks for the department.
Etymology
Formed from administrate and the suffix -ive.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
non-administrative
nonadministrative
Related words
Rhymes for administrative
See all rhymes for administrative →Frequently asked questions
What does “administrative” mean?
The word “administrative” means relating to the management or organization of something, especially paperwork and processes. In plain terms, to do with managing, organizing, or running the practical side of a business or office.
How do you pronounce “administrative”?
“Administrative” is pronounced uhd-MIHN-ih-struh-tihv (/ədˈmɪn.əˌstɹeɪ.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “administrative” in a sentence?
Here is “administrative” used in a sentence: “She handles all the administrative tasks for the department.”
What is the opposite of “administrative”?
The opposite of “administrative” — its antonyms — are non-administrative and nonadministrative.
What part of speech is “administrative”?
“Administrative” is an adjective.
Is “administrative” a common word?
“Administrative” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is an example of administrative work?
Administrative work covers the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep an organization running: scheduling meetings, filing paperwork, answering emails, keeping records, processing forms, and coordinating between departments. It is less about the core product or service and more about the systems, documentation, and organization that support everyone else's work.
What is the difference between administrative and clerical work?
The two overlap, but clerical work usually refers to routine office tasks like typing, filing, and data entry. Administrative work is broader, often including planning, coordinating, and organizing processes and sometimes supervising clerical staff. In short, clerical is a subset of administrative work, which carries wider responsibility for how things run.
What are administrative skills?
Administrative skills are the abilities that help you manage tasks, people, and information efficiently. They typically include organization, time management, clear communication, attention to detail, and comfort with tools like spreadsheets, calendars, and email. Strong administrative skills keep projects on track and reduce the everyday friction that slows an organization down.
Is 'administrative' a positive or negative word?
It is a neutral, descriptive word rather than a judgment. Calling a task administrative simply says it relates to running and organizing things. People sometimes use it with a slight sigh, as administrative duties can feel like tedious paperwork, but the word itself carries no built-in praise or criticism.
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