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kakistocracy

/ˌkakɪˈstɑkrəsi/
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Other forms: kakistocracies

A government run by the least qualified people can be called a kakistocracy.

The term kakistocracy first appeared in the 17th century, coined from the Greek kakistos, "worst," and -cracy, "rule by," which is used in words like aristocracy and democracy. It's often used to disparage governments that are seen as inept, corrupt, or both. If a president appointed her close friends and relatives to fill all the most important cabinet jobs, despite their lack of experience, it would be an example of kakistocracy.

Definitions of kakistocracy
  1. noun
    a government run by unqualified and unskilled people, who are considered least suited to govern
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