1. A system of government or business administration marked by excessive red tape, rigid adherence to procedures, and a hierarchical structure of authority
The bureaucracy made it difficult to obtain a simple permit.
A burocracia dificultou a obtenção de uma simples licença.
2. The administrative officials and institutions collectively, or the system of rules and procedures they enforce
We had to navigate the bureaucracy to get our application approved.
Tivemos que navegar pela burocracia para conseguir nossa candidatura aprovada.
3. Excessive adherence to rules and procedures that impedes efficiency
The company's bureaucracy prevented quick decision-making.
A burocracia da empresa impediu a tomada rápida de decisões.