Word

oligarchy

noun C1

UK /ˈɒlɪˌɡɑːki/

US /ˈɑlɪˌɡɑɹki/

Meanings

noun

A political system in which a small group holds power and governs for its own interests.

noun

A small group of people who control an organization or society.

Definition

An oligarchy is a system in which a small, powerful group controls a country or organization.

An oligarchy is a form of government or leadership where real power is held by a few people rather than the wider population. These people may be wealthy, well-connected, or part of a political elite. The term often suggests that the system is unfair because decisions mainly benefit the ruling minority.

Examples

After the revolution, many citizens feared the new leadership would slide into an oligarchy dominated by insiders.
She argued that the club had become an oligarchy, with the same three people making every important decision.
They described the postwar economy as an oligarchy where a handful of families controlled key industries.
I left the committee because it functioned like an oligarchy, and my vote never seemed to matter.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "oligarchy" with "monarchy"; an oligarchy is rule by a few people, not by a single king or queen.