KAKISTOCRACY Meaning and
Definition
-
Kakistocracy is a noun that refers to a form of government in which the power is wielded by the least qualified or most corrupt individuals. Deriving from the Greek words "kakistos" meaning 'worst' or 'the most evil' and "kratos" meaning 'rule' or 'power,' kakistocracy essentially represents a system that is governed by those considered the most morally or intellectually deficient.
In a kakistocracy, decision-making processes and policies are often driven by self-interest, incompetence, or corruption. The key characteristic of this form of governance is the complete lack of consideration for the common good or the well-being of the population. The rulers in a kakistocracy may prioritize personal gain, wealth accumulation, or political survival, often at the expense of the citizenry.
As a concept, kakistocracy is widely recognized as the antithesis of meritocracy, where individuals are appointed or elected based on their qualifications and abilities. It is regarded as a derogatory term used to criticize governments that demonstrate extreme levels of ineptitude, dishonesty, and exploitation.
The term kakistocracy is sometimes used metaphorically to describe situations beyond political governance, such as corporate environments or social dynamics that are dominated by individuals who embody the worst qualities or exhibit unethical behavior.
Common Misspellings for KAKISTOCRACY
- jakistocracy
- makistocracy
- lakistocracy
- oakistocracy
- iakistocracy
- kzkistocracy
- kskistocracy
- kwkistocracy
- kqkistocracy
- kajistocracy
- kamistocracy
- kalistocracy
- kaoistocracy
- kaiistocracy
- kakustocracy
- kakjstocracy
- kakkstocracy
- kakostocracy
- kak9stocracy
- Kacistocracy
- Kackistocracy
Etymology of KAKISTOCRACY
The word "kakistocracy" is derived from the Greek word "kakistos", which means "worst", and the Greek word "kratos", which means "rule" or "government". When combined, the term refers to a system of government in which the ruling power is held by the least qualified or most corrupt individuals. The term itself was coined in the early 19th century, and the concept of kakistocracy has been discussed across various contexts to describe a form of government characterized by incompetence, corruption, and ineptitude.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
