mediocracy en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˌmiː.dɪˈɒk.ɹə.si/ (Received-Pronunciation)
- /ˌmi.diˈɑ.kɹə.si/ (General-American)
Etymology
Blend of mediocre + -cracy.
Meanings
-
(countable, informal, uncountable) A social hierarchy in which the mediocre prevails.
The paradox of a mediocracy is that it is a system whereby more people have the opportunity to cross the excellence threshold. […] To an uninitiated American, mediocracy can resemble a lack of ambition.
2026 July 18, Jinu Koola, “Norway and the case for mediocracy”, in FT Weekend (Life & Arts section), London: The Financial Times Ltd., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 17:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| mediocracies | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Relateds
Translations (6)
cs mediokracie (social hierarchy where the mediocre prevails) · es mediocracia (social hierarchy where the mediocre prevails) · pt mediocracia (social hierarchy where the mediocre prevails) · pl mediokracja (social hierarchy where the mediocre prevails) · fr médiocratie (social hierarchy where the mediocre prevails) · fi mediokratia (social hierarchy where the mediocre prevails)