noun

oligarchy

OL-ih-gar-kee

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Oligarchy (noun) means a system of government in which power rests with a small group of people, typically the wealthy, rather than with the population as a whole. Example: “Critics argue the country has drifted from democracy into oligarchy.”

noun

A system of government in which power rests with a small group of people, typically the wealthy, rather than with the population as a whole.

"Critics argue the country has drifted from democracy into oligarchy."

"Aristotle treated oligarchy as the corrupted form of aristocracy."

The small group that holds such power, or a state ruled by one.

"A narrow oligarchy of families controlled the city for two centuries."

"Sparta and Venice were both oligarchies."

How to use oligarchy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA country run by a small group of powerful, usually rich, people.

When to use it

Formal and generally critical. Calling a system an oligarchy is an accusation, not a neutral classification.

Memory tip

Note the different stress: oligarchy has four syllables, OL-ih-gar-kee, while an oligarch has three.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

oligarch → aristocracy → plutocracy → autocracy → monarchy →

Common pairings

a narrow oligarchy slide into oligarchy ruling oligarchy oligarchy of wealth

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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 “oligarchy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Critics argue the country has drifted from democracy into _____.

Etymology

From Greek oligarkhia, from oligoi "few" and arkhein "to rule": rule by the few.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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plutocracy autocracy cabal rule ruling class junta elite cabal

Antonyms

democracy republic

Related words

public country nation republic democratic democracy exclusive select

Rhymes for oligarchy

anarchy monarchy tetrarchy hierarchy patriarchy

See all rhymes for oligarchy →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an oligarchy and an aristocracy?

Both are rule by a few, but aristocracy was traditionally understood as rule by the best-qualified, and in practice by hereditary nobility. Oligarchy is the unflattering term: rule by a few for their own benefit, usually on the basis of wealth.

What is the difference between oligarchy and plutocracy?

An oligarchy is rule by a small group, whatever holds it together — wealth, family, military rank or party membership. A plutocracy is specifically rule by the rich. Most plutocracies are oligarchies, but not every oligarchy is a plutocracy.

Is the United States an oligarchy?

It is a constitutional republic with elections, so it is not an oligarchy in the formal sense. Some political scientists nonetheless argue it functions as one, citing studies that find policy tracks the preferences of wealthy donors far more closely than those of ordinary voters. The claim is contested.

What is the meaning of oligarchy?

"oligarchy" (noun) means a system of government in which power rests with a small group of people, typically the wealthy, rather than with the population as a whole.

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public country nation republic democratic democracy exclusive select