noun

kleptocracy

klep-TOK-ruh-see

Quiz me More like this

Kleptocracy (noun) means a government whose leaders use their power mainly to steal from the state and enrich themselves, treating public money and national resources as personal property. Example: “Decades of kleptocracy left the treasury empty and the roads unbuilt.”

noun

A government whose leaders use their power mainly to steal from the state and enrich themselves, treating public money and national resources as personal property.

"Decades of kleptocracy left the treasury empty and the roads unbuilt."

"Sanctions targeted the family at the centre of the kleptocracy."

The ruling class of such a state, taken as a group.

"The country's kleptocracy keeps its money in foreign property."

How to use kleptocracy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA country run by leaders who are in it to steal public money.

When to use it

Formal and strongly critical; common in journalism, political science and sanctions policy.

Memory tip

Do not confuse it with kleptomania, which is a compulsion to steal small items and shares only the Greek root for thief.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

kleptocracy vs oligarchy kleptocracy vs kleptomania

Common pairings

a corrupt kleptocracy descend into kleptocracy the ruling kleptocracy

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like kleptocracy.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “kleptocracy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Decades of _____ left the treasury empty and the roads unbuilt.

Etymology

From Greek kleptes 'thief' plus -kratia 'rule, power', the same ending as in democracy and autocracy.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

View more →

thiefdom corrupt regime

Antonyms

meritocracy

Related words

meritocracy thiefdom nepotism

Rhymes for kleptocracy

racy lacy Macy Gacy Stacy Tracy lunacy papacy legacy piracy privacy fallacy

See all rhymes for kleptocracy →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a kleptocracy and an oligarchy?

An oligarchy is rule by a small group, defined by how few people hold power rather than by what they do with it. A kleptocracy is defined by the theft: leaders stay in office in order to loot public funds. Many kleptocracies are also oligarchies, but an oligarchy could in principle be honest.

Is kleptocracy the same as corruption?

No. Corruption can exist inside an otherwise functioning state, as individual officials taking bribes. Kleptocracy is systemic: stealing is the organising purpose of the government itself, running from the top down.

How is kleptocracy pronounced?

Stress the second syllable: klep-TOK-ruh-see, on the same pattern as democracy and bureaucracy.

What is the meaning of kleptocracy?

"kleptocracy" (noun) means a government whose leaders use their power mainly to steal from the state and enrich themselves, treating public money and national resources as personal property.

People also searched

meritocracy thiefdom nepotism