machiavellianism
C2Formal, academic, literary
Definition
Meaning
The political theory or practice of using cunning, deceit, and manipulation to achieve and maintain power, often associated with the ideas of Niccolò Machiavelli.
In modern usage, any behaviour characterised by duplicity, manipulation, and a cynical disregard for morality in interpersonal or organisational contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries a strongly negative connotation. Implies a calculated, strategic, and amoral approach to achieving one's goals, where the ends justify the means.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or spelling. Capitalisation can vary; the lowercase form is more common in modern academic prose.
Connotations
Identical negative connotations in both varieties, though the historical/political reference may be slightly more salient in British English due to curriculum differences.
Frequency
Comparatively low frequency in both, with slightly higher usage in academic political science and psychology texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Adj] + machiavellianism + [of + NP]machiavellianism + [in + NP][verb] + machiavellianismVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The ends justify the means (conceptual idiom strongly associated with Machiavellianism)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe cut-throat corporate tactics, ruthless management, or deceptive negotiation strategies.
Academic
Common in political science, history, psychology (Dark Triad personality trait), and literary criticism.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Used hyperbolically to criticise someone seen as manipulative.
Technical
In psychology, a measurable personality trait characterised by manipulation and emotional coldness.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- He acted Machiavellianly, sowing discord among his competitors.
American English
- The campaign was Machiavellianly orchestrated to exploit social divisions.
adjective
British English
- His Machiavellian scheme to discredit his rival was exposed by the press.
American English
- She took a Machiavellian approach to climbing the corporate ladder.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (A2 level sentences are highly improbable for this word. A simplified contextual example:) Some people in history were known for being very cunning and clever in a bad way.
- The villain in the story used machiavellianism to get power.
- The politician's rise to power was a textbook case of machiavellianism, fuelled by broken promises and secret alliances.
- The boardroom culture was one of unvarnished machiavellianism, where loyalty was feigned and every colleague a potential pawn to be sacrificed.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MACHine (MACH-) that is very (-VELL-) clever and cunning (-IANISM) in a cold, calculating way.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS/SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A GAME OF DECEPTION; POWER IS A PRIZE TO BE WON BY ANY MEANS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The Russian borrowing 'макиавеллизм' is a direct cognate and carries the same meaning, so no major trap exists. However, the adjective 'макиавелловский' is more common in Russian than the noun.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'machiavellianism' (common error: 'machiavellianism').
- Confusing it with general 'manipulation'; Machiavellianism implies a systematic, strategic philosophy.
- Using it as an adjective (the adjective is 'Machiavellian').
Practice
Quiz
In psychology, Machiavellianism is primarily associated with which of the following?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in modern usage it is almost exclusively pejorative, describing unethical and manipulative behaviour. While Machiavelli's original work was a pragmatic analysis of power, the term derived from it has come to signify its most cynical interpretations.
While both can be part of the 'Dark Triad' of personality traits, narcissism centres on grandiosity and a need for admiration, whereas Machiavellianism focuses specifically on strategic social manipulation and a cynical worldview.
Extremely rarely. Occasionally, in political or business analysis, it might be used descriptively and non-judgmentally to denote ruthless realpolitik, but it still carries a heavy negative connotation for most audiences.
In British English: /ˌmæk.i.əˈvel.i.ə.nɪ.zəm/ (mak-ee-uh-VEL-ee-uh-niz-um). In American English: /ˌmɑː.ki.əˈvel.i.ə.nɪ.zəm/ (mah-kee-uh-VEL-ee-uh-niz-um). The main difference is the first vowel sound.