administration
C1Formal to neutral across contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The process or activity of running an organization, government, or institution; the management of affairs.
1. The group of people responsible for managing an organization. 2. The period during which a government holds office. 3. The action of dispensing or applying something (e.g., medication, justice). 4. In business contexts, the department handling day-to-day organizational tasks.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries a connotation of bureaucracy and systematic organization. Can imply either efficient management or burdensome paperwork depending on context. Often used in political contexts to refer to a specific presidential term (especially in U.S. English).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, often refers more narrowly to the management of an organization or institution. In American English, commonly refers to the executive branch of government (e.g., 'the Trump administration'). British English uses 'government' more frequently for national leadership.
Connotations
In American English, often has stronger political connotations. In both varieties, can imply bureaucracy, but British English may associate it more with institutional management (e.g., university administration).
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to political usage; slightly more formal in British English in everyday contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
administration of [something] (e.g., administration of medication)under the administration of [someone/something]during the [adjective] administration (e.g., during the current administration)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The administration of justice must be fair.”
- “Red tape (referring to bureaucratic administration).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the management and operational support functions of a company.
Academic
Used in fields like Public Administration, Business Administration; refers to institutional management.
Everyday
Common when discussing paperwork, official processes, or management of schools/offices.
Technical
In medicine: the giving of medication; in law: the management of an estate.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The trust administers several local charities.
- She administers the department efficiently.
American English
- The nurse will administer the vaccine.
- They administer the tests online.
adverb
British English
- The process was administered fairly.
- He administratively separated the two units.
American English
- The funds were administered properly.
- The system works administratively well.
adjective
British English
- The administrative staff handle payroll.
- There are administrative hurdles to overcome.
American English
- She has an administrative role in the company.
- We need administrative approval first.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The school administration office is near the entrance.
- He works in hospital administration.
- The new administration plans to change the tax system.
- Good administration helps the company run smoothly.
- The administration of the estate was handled by a solicitor.
- Public administration reforms are being discussed.
- During the previous administration, several controversial policies were introduced.
- The intricate administration of the project required meticulous coordination.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ADMIN-istration: an ADMIN person's area of responsibility.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADMINISTRATION IS A MACHINE (smooth/running/broken bureaucracy).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите как "администрирование" в значении "управление IT-системами" (это system administration).
- "Администрация" в русском часто означает конкретный офис или помещение, в английском это building/office.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'administration' to mean 'government' in non-political contexts (especially UK).
- Confusing 'administration' with 'management' when referring to hands-on team leadership.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT a typical meaning of 'administration'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both. Uncountable when referring to the process (e.g., efficient administration). Countable when referring to a specific group or period (e.g., past administrations).
Management often implies direct leadership of people/resources. Administration often implies systematic organization, paperwork, and policy implementation.
Yes, it can refer collectively to the people who manage an organization (e.g., 'The administration has announced new rules').
In the U.S., it conventionally refers to the executive branch under a particular president (e.g., 'the Biden administration'), a usage less common in other English varieties.
Collections
Part of a collection
Public Policy
C1 · 47 words · Language for governance, policy and administration.