C1 adjective Formal

administrative

/ədˈmɪn.ɪ.strə.tɪv/

Relating to the organization and management of a business, institution, or government. It describes the practical tasks, systems, and procedures required to keep an entity running efficiently behind the scenes.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I spent the entire morning dealing with administrative tasks like answering emails and filing receipts.

I spent the entire morning dealing with administrative tasks like answering emails and filing receipts.

2

The proposed administrative changes aim to streamline the decision-making process within the department.

The proposed administrative changes aim to streamline the decision-making process within the department.

3

Trying to get my security deposit back was an absolute administrative nightmare.

Trying to get my security deposit back was an absolute administrative nightmare.

Word Family

Noun
administration
Verb
administer
Adverb
administratively
Adjective
administrative
Related
administrator
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'Admin' (mini)strative staff: they handle the 'mini' but essential details that keep a 'ministry' or business running.

Quick Quiz

The project was delayed not by a lack of funding, but by an ______ oversight in the permit application.

Correct!

The correct answer is: administrative

Examples

1

I spent the entire morning dealing with administrative tasks like answering emails and filing receipts.

everyday

I spent the entire morning dealing with administrative tasks like answering emails and filing receipts.

2

The proposed administrative changes aim to streamline the decision-making process within the department.

formal

The proposed administrative changes aim to streamline the decision-making process within the department.

3

Trying to get my security deposit back was an absolute administrative nightmare.

informal

Trying to get my security deposit back was an absolute administrative nightmare.

4

Scholars argue that administrative decentralization can lead to better local governance outcomes.

academic

Scholars argue that administrative decentralization can lead to better local governance outcomes.

5

We are currently looking for a new administrative assistant to manage our executive calendars.

business

We are currently looking for a new administrative assistant to manage our executive calendars.

Word Family

Noun
administration
Verb
administer
Adverb
administratively
Adjective
administrative
Related
administrator

Common Collocations

administrative staff administrative staff
administrative burden administrative burden
administrative support administrative support
administrative duties administrative duties
administrative costs administrative costs

Common Phrases

administrative error

administrative error

administrative leave

administrative leave

administrative law

administrative law

Often Confused With

administrative vs executive

Executive refers to high-level decision-making and leadership, while administrative focuses on the day-to-day management and logistical support.

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Usage Notes

Use 'administrative' to describe the 'how' of an organization (the systems and paperwork) rather than the 'what' (the actual product or service provided). It is neutral but can sometimes imply a certain level of tedious bureaucracy.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often misspell the word by omitting the 'i' after the 'n' or 's'. Additionally, don't confuse the adjective 'administrative' with the noun 'administration'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'Admin' (mini)strative staff: they handle the 'mini' but essential details that keep a 'ministry' or business running.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'administrare', which means 'to serve, manage, or guide'.

Grammar Patterns

attributive adjective (usually comes before the noun) not used in the plural form can be modified by adverbs (e.g., purely administrative)
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Cultural Context

In many modern work environments, 'administrative' work is often associated with 'back-office' roles, which are essential for stability but sometimes perceived as having less status than 'strategic' roles.

Quick Quiz

The project was delayed not by a lack of funding, but by an ______ oversight in the permit application.

Correct!

The correct answer is: administrative

Related Words

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macrovivcide

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interphotoly

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overclamdom

C1

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univerbible

C1

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preprivsion

C1

To proactively allocate or configure resources, permissions, or digital infrastructure in advance of their actual requirement. This verb is primarily used in technical and organizational contexts to describe the preparation of a system for immediate use upon a specific trigger.

posttribate

C1

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oversolure

C1

A noun referring to the implementation of an unnecessarily complex, redundant, or excessive solution to a relatively simple problem. It describes a state of over-engineering where the resources or complexity involved far exceed the actual requirements of the situation.

disspirty

C1

Characterized by a lack of spirit, enthusiasm, or hope, typically occurring after a setback or disappointment. It describes a psychological state where one's morale is significantly dampened or discouraged.

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