A word to describe an excessively formal process or procedure

Multi tool use
I'm looking for a single word which may describe that a given process is overly formal in a sense it requires plenty of steps or involves myriad of subprocesses. For instance some company is about to introduce a new development methodology and employees complain that this methodology is ???
and therefore it would be tiresome to follow it due to the fact it has many phases. The word ceremonial
I think has a religious connotation. Another option is to merely use overly/exceedingly/very to emphasize this fact but it would nice if there exists a single word.
single-word-requests synonyms
|
show 1 more comment
I'm looking for a single word which may describe that a given process is overly formal in a sense it requires plenty of steps or involves myriad of subprocesses. For instance some company is about to introduce a new development methodology and employees complain that this methodology is ???
and therefore it would be tiresome to follow it due to the fact it has many phases. The word ceremonial
I think has a religious connotation. Another option is to merely use overly/exceedingly/very to emphasize this fact but it would nice if there exists a single word.
single-word-requests synonyms
5
Ceremonial doesn't imply religion, but it doesn't imply excess either. Rather it implies actions that don't have any practical meaning but are gone through "for show".
– StarWeaver
2 days ago
4
What single word could be used in place of “long drawn out procedure”? (rigamarole)
– Mazura
yesterday
It's just "myriad subprocesses". Not "myriad of subprocesses".
– Fattie
21 hours ago
1
"ceremonial" really has no religious implication.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Do you mean excessively complicated? Excessively formal is 'bureaucratic'.
– Mitch
15 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
I'm looking for a single word which may describe that a given process is overly formal in a sense it requires plenty of steps or involves myriad of subprocesses. For instance some company is about to introduce a new development methodology and employees complain that this methodology is ???
and therefore it would be tiresome to follow it due to the fact it has many phases. The word ceremonial
I think has a religious connotation. Another option is to merely use overly/exceedingly/very to emphasize this fact but it would nice if there exists a single word.
single-word-requests synonyms
I'm looking for a single word which may describe that a given process is overly formal in a sense it requires plenty of steps or involves myriad of subprocesses. For instance some company is about to introduce a new development methodology and employees complain that this methodology is ???
and therefore it would be tiresome to follow it due to the fact it has many phases. The word ceremonial
I think has a religious connotation. Another option is to merely use overly/exceedingly/very to emphasize this fact but it would nice if there exists a single word.
single-word-requests synonyms
single-word-requests synonyms
asked 2 days ago
Oleksandr Karaberov
30818
30818
5
Ceremonial doesn't imply religion, but it doesn't imply excess either. Rather it implies actions that don't have any practical meaning but are gone through "for show".
– StarWeaver
2 days ago
4
What single word could be used in place of “long drawn out procedure”? (rigamarole)
– Mazura
yesterday
It's just "myriad subprocesses". Not "myriad of subprocesses".
– Fattie
21 hours ago
1
"ceremonial" really has no religious implication.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Do you mean excessively complicated? Excessively formal is 'bureaucratic'.
– Mitch
15 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
5
Ceremonial doesn't imply religion, but it doesn't imply excess either. Rather it implies actions that don't have any practical meaning but are gone through "for show".
– StarWeaver
2 days ago
4
What single word could be used in place of “long drawn out procedure”? (rigamarole)
– Mazura
yesterday
It's just "myriad subprocesses". Not "myriad of subprocesses".
– Fattie
21 hours ago
1
"ceremonial" really has no religious implication.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Do you mean excessively complicated? Excessively formal is 'bureaucratic'.
– Mitch
15 hours ago
5
5
Ceremonial doesn't imply religion, but it doesn't imply excess either. Rather it implies actions that don't have any practical meaning but are gone through "for show".
– StarWeaver
2 days ago
Ceremonial doesn't imply religion, but it doesn't imply excess either. Rather it implies actions that don't have any practical meaning but are gone through "for show".
– StarWeaver
2 days ago
4
4
What single word could be used in place of “long drawn out procedure”? (rigamarole)
– Mazura
yesterday
What single word could be used in place of “long drawn out procedure”? (rigamarole)
– Mazura
yesterday
It's just "myriad subprocesses". Not "myriad of subprocesses".
– Fattie
21 hours ago
It's just "myriad subprocesses". Not "myriad of subprocesses".
– Fattie
21 hours ago
1
1
"ceremonial" really has no religious implication.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
"ceremonial" really has no religious implication.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Do you mean excessively complicated? Excessively formal is 'bureaucratic'.
– Mitch
15 hours ago
Do you mean excessively complicated? Excessively formal is 'bureaucratic'.
– Mitch
15 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
11 Answers
11
active
oldest
votes
... employees complain that this methodology is byzantine!
byzantine OED
adj. often not capitalized M-Webster
Reminiscent of the manner, style, or spirit of Byzantine politics; intricate, complicated; inflexible, rigid, unyielding.
Also as in:
Another problem facing the technology companies is the Byzantine
nature of today’s online advertising. WSJ Feb 17, 2018
Byzantium (now Istanbul) was filled with mystics, wars, and political infighting-and the word Byzantine became synonymous with anything characteristic of the city or empire, from architecture to intrigue.
5
"Byzantine became synonymous with anything" - that's why I'm never sure if it refers to splendor, or decadence and debauchery.
– Mazura
yesterday
8
I would definitely not choose this word in a technical business setting.
– jpmc26
yesterday
1
this is a great choice.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
2
Hi @Mazura. If you are unsure of the meaning of byzantine, it is very clear: "intricate, complicated". It's synonymous with, say "labyrinthe", "maze-like" or just "complex".
– Fattie
21 hours ago
1
@Mazura, your quote (I quote) " "Byzantine became synonymous with anything" " is very confusing, you quoted half a phrase. Why? Again you can easily check the meaning in a dictionary, it is straightforward and any English-speaking adult would know it.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
In almost all cultures and countries on this planet, what you're describing would simply be called bureaucracy and a process that involves a lot of bureaucracy would be referred to as a bureaucratic process. Here's one of the several definitions of this term from Cambridge Dictionary:
complicated rules, processes, and written work that make it hard to get something done
Example sentence (taken from the English Oxford Living Dictionaries):
More than 3,600 staff will be given the chance to influence the way the trust is run by pointing out the unnecessary rules, paperwork and bureaucracy which slow them down.
By the way, the corresponding idiomatic term for bureaucracy would be red tape. And believe it or not, it can be a single word if you properly hyphenate it and use it as an adjective: red-tape procedures. Here's what they say about this expression on Wikipedia:
Red tape is an idiom that refers to excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making. It is usually applied to governments, corporations, and other large organizations.
2
Recommend moving "red tape" to an earlier part of the answer.
– jpmc26
yesterday
I would love to, but red tape was rather something I added as a compliment to bureaucracy since it's really a two-word expression while the OP was asking for a single word.
– Mike R
yesterday
I wouldn't worry too much about that. It's more important to give the OP the most correct word or phrase than it is to adhere to strict requirements like "one word."
– jpmc26
yesterday
2
I think bureaucratic is a better answer than red-tape anyway. Instead of moving red tape to the beginning, I would just remove it altogether, honestly.
– John Y
14 hours ago
1
The problem with moving it on 3 upvotes is that people can't downvote. :( I, for one, didn't even know about "red tape". Like you said, almost all cultures and countries, mine included, probably know it as bureaucratic.
– JoL
11 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
labyrinthine
Oxford Living Dictionaries gives the following definition:
1 (of a network) like a labyrinth; irregular and twisting.
‘labyrinthine streets and alleys’
1.1 (of a system) intricate and confusing.
‘labyrinthine plots and counterplots’
‘In the process, he unravelled the labyrinthine means by which a
painting bought by war profiteers and sold to German army looters
found its way into the cultural heart of Britain.’
‘For a show that has the labyrinthine, seemingly nonsensical plots of
a soap opera, that's a real accomplishment.’
‘The country's legendary bureaucracy is as labyrinthine as ever, and
its legal system opaque, with separate laws for foreign and domestic
investors.’
‘The labyrinthine diplomacy and politics of the Italian wars are the
real subject of this painstaking book about what Jem meant to others.’
...
Labyrinthine, through its maze analogy, suggests unnecessary complexity and a process that could be made much more simple.
Also a great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
'Convoluted' might be the word you're looking for. Described by Google as:
(especially of an argument, story, or sentence) extremely complex and difficult to follow.
An example of usage:
"the film is let down by a convoluted plot in which nothing really happens"
New contributor
ZzaAakK is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
4
Welcome to EL&U! Please provide sources and/or definitions to improve the quality of your answer.
– A Lambent Eye
yesterday
Hi Zak, welcome to EL&U. This isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of convoluted (linked to the source) and perhaps a sample sentence. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
– Chappo
yesterday
I've edited it to reflect the changes you were looking for.
– ZzaAakK
yesterday
Yet another great answer from a new user.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Eloquent. Tell me, how does one ascend from the lowest level of Stack Exchange: 'new user'? Also, tell me how your comment was in any way necessary, or constructive?
– ZzaAakK
21 hours ago
add a comment |
Onerous is defined by Oxford Dictionaries as:
(of a task or responsibility) involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty.
‘he found his duties increasingly onerous’
And by Google as:
(of a task, duty, or responsibility) involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
1
Also, arduous. The word is protocol; these are the adjectives you need.
– Mazura
yesterday
1
Yet another great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
Cumbersome would be a simple word to use here. In your context, cumbersome would mean something that is slow or complicated, and therefore inefficient.
Usage example -
'Most of the employees were vexed with their company's cumbersome procedures'
New contributor
Hassan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
red tape is defined by Merriam-Webster as:
Official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity which results in delay or inaction.
Merriam-Webster example of red tape in a sentence:
You would not believe the red tape involved in getting the required permits.
New contributor
Jep is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
Probably the best answer here. Welcome, new user! Thanks for the great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
Employees complain that this methodology is
???
and therefore it would be tiresome to follow it due to the fact it has many phases.
Rigorous - adjective - from the the Cambridge Business English Dictionary:
detailed and careful:
- I want rigorous financial analysis of the options.
- The selection process is extremely rigorous.
strict or severe:
- A rigorous monetary and fiscal policy should encourage efficiency.
- Refrigeration of food, improved hygiene and rigorous standards in the food industry prevent gastro-intestinal infections.
add a comment |
Meticulous may be ideal here. It is defined as "taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise; thorough" (dictionary.com).
Or, perhaps Superfluous would be an appropriate word, meaning "being more than is sufficient or required; excessive" or "unnecessary or needless" (dictionary.com). However, this word would be more effective if describing unnecessary procedures, rather than necessary albeit annoying procedures.
New contributor
Bethany Brower is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
Merriam–Webster gives the second, and more distinctive, meaning of rigmarole as "a complex and ritualistic procedure that is characterized more by form than genuine meaning". It often applies to official procedures that, over a long period of time, have adapted to changing circumstances by accumulation, because no-one has had the authority to adapt them by radical simplification.
add a comment |
One might describe such a procedure as anfractuous:-
characterized by twists and turns; convoluted [Collins English Dictionary via the Free Dictionary]
I believe the American taxation system was once so described by a famous politician as an anfractuousity but sadly can't run down the quote; it must be quite old though as words like that don't fit well in a sound bite. Even the spell-checker here doesn't like it.
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "97"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fenglish.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f478545%2fa-word-to-describe-an-excessively-formal-process-or-procedure%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
11 Answers
11
active
oldest
votes
11 Answers
11
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
... employees complain that this methodology is byzantine!
byzantine OED
adj. often not capitalized M-Webster
Reminiscent of the manner, style, or spirit of Byzantine politics; intricate, complicated; inflexible, rigid, unyielding.
Also as in:
Another problem facing the technology companies is the Byzantine
nature of today’s online advertising. WSJ Feb 17, 2018
Byzantium (now Istanbul) was filled with mystics, wars, and political infighting-and the word Byzantine became synonymous with anything characteristic of the city or empire, from architecture to intrigue.
5
"Byzantine became synonymous with anything" - that's why I'm never sure if it refers to splendor, or decadence and debauchery.
– Mazura
yesterday
8
I would definitely not choose this word in a technical business setting.
– jpmc26
yesterday
1
this is a great choice.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
2
Hi @Mazura. If you are unsure of the meaning of byzantine, it is very clear: "intricate, complicated". It's synonymous with, say "labyrinthe", "maze-like" or just "complex".
– Fattie
21 hours ago
1
@Mazura, your quote (I quote) " "Byzantine became synonymous with anything" " is very confusing, you quoted half a phrase. Why? Again you can easily check the meaning in a dictionary, it is straightforward and any English-speaking adult would know it.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
... employees complain that this methodology is byzantine!
byzantine OED
adj. often not capitalized M-Webster
Reminiscent of the manner, style, or spirit of Byzantine politics; intricate, complicated; inflexible, rigid, unyielding.
Also as in:
Another problem facing the technology companies is the Byzantine
nature of today’s online advertising. WSJ Feb 17, 2018
Byzantium (now Istanbul) was filled with mystics, wars, and political infighting-and the word Byzantine became synonymous with anything characteristic of the city or empire, from architecture to intrigue.
5
"Byzantine became synonymous with anything" - that's why I'm never sure if it refers to splendor, or decadence and debauchery.
– Mazura
yesterday
8
I would definitely not choose this word in a technical business setting.
– jpmc26
yesterday
1
this is a great choice.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
2
Hi @Mazura. If you are unsure of the meaning of byzantine, it is very clear: "intricate, complicated". It's synonymous with, say "labyrinthe", "maze-like" or just "complex".
– Fattie
21 hours ago
1
@Mazura, your quote (I quote) " "Byzantine became synonymous with anything" " is very confusing, you quoted half a phrase. Why? Again you can easily check the meaning in a dictionary, it is straightforward and any English-speaking adult would know it.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
... employees complain that this methodology is byzantine!
byzantine OED
adj. often not capitalized M-Webster
Reminiscent of the manner, style, or spirit of Byzantine politics; intricate, complicated; inflexible, rigid, unyielding.
Also as in:
Another problem facing the technology companies is the Byzantine
nature of today’s online advertising. WSJ Feb 17, 2018
Byzantium (now Istanbul) was filled with mystics, wars, and political infighting-and the word Byzantine became synonymous with anything characteristic of the city or empire, from architecture to intrigue.
... employees complain that this methodology is byzantine!
byzantine OED
adj. often not capitalized M-Webster
Reminiscent of the manner, style, or spirit of Byzantine politics; intricate, complicated; inflexible, rigid, unyielding.
Also as in:
Another problem facing the technology companies is the Byzantine
nature of today’s online advertising. WSJ Feb 17, 2018
Byzantium (now Istanbul) was filled with mystics, wars, and political infighting-and the word Byzantine became synonymous with anything characteristic of the city or empire, from architecture to intrigue.
answered 2 days ago


lbf
17.3k21663
17.3k21663
5
"Byzantine became synonymous with anything" - that's why I'm never sure if it refers to splendor, or decadence and debauchery.
– Mazura
yesterday
8
I would definitely not choose this word in a technical business setting.
– jpmc26
yesterday
1
this is a great choice.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
2
Hi @Mazura. If you are unsure of the meaning of byzantine, it is very clear: "intricate, complicated". It's synonymous with, say "labyrinthe", "maze-like" or just "complex".
– Fattie
21 hours ago
1
@Mazura, your quote (I quote) " "Byzantine became synonymous with anything" " is very confusing, you quoted half a phrase. Why? Again you can easily check the meaning in a dictionary, it is straightforward and any English-speaking adult would know it.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
5
"Byzantine became synonymous with anything" - that's why I'm never sure if it refers to splendor, or decadence and debauchery.
– Mazura
yesterday
8
I would definitely not choose this word in a technical business setting.
– jpmc26
yesterday
1
this is a great choice.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
2
Hi @Mazura. If you are unsure of the meaning of byzantine, it is very clear: "intricate, complicated". It's synonymous with, say "labyrinthe", "maze-like" or just "complex".
– Fattie
21 hours ago
1
@Mazura, your quote (I quote) " "Byzantine became synonymous with anything" " is very confusing, you quoted half a phrase. Why? Again you can easily check the meaning in a dictionary, it is straightforward and any English-speaking adult would know it.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
5
5
"Byzantine became synonymous with anything" - that's why I'm never sure if it refers to splendor, or decadence and debauchery.
– Mazura
yesterday
"Byzantine became synonymous with anything" - that's why I'm never sure if it refers to splendor, or decadence and debauchery.
– Mazura
yesterday
8
8
I would definitely not choose this word in a technical business setting.
– jpmc26
yesterday
I would definitely not choose this word in a technical business setting.
– jpmc26
yesterday
1
1
this is a great choice.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
this is a great choice.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
2
2
Hi @Mazura. If you are unsure of the meaning of byzantine, it is very clear: "intricate, complicated". It's synonymous with, say "labyrinthe", "maze-like" or just "complex".
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Hi @Mazura. If you are unsure of the meaning of byzantine, it is very clear: "intricate, complicated". It's synonymous with, say "labyrinthe", "maze-like" or just "complex".
– Fattie
21 hours ago
1
1
@Mazura, your quote (I quote) " "Byzantine became synonymous with anything" " is very confusing, you quoted half a phrase. Why? Again you can easily check the meaning in a dictionary, it is straightforward and any English-speaking adult would know it.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
@Mazura, your quote (I quote) " "Byzantine became synonymous with anything" " is very confusing, you quoted half a phrase. Why? Again you can easily check the meaning in a dictionary, it is straightforward and any English-speaking adult would know it.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
In almost all cultures and countries on this planet, what you're describing would simply be called bureaucracy and a process that involves a lot of bureaucracy would be referred to as a bureaucratic process. Here's one of the several definitions of this term from Cambridge Dictionary:
complicated rules, processes, and written work that make it hard to get something done
Example sentence (taken from the English Oxford Living Dictionaries):
More than 3,600 staff will be given the chance to influence the way the trust is run by pointing out the unnecessary rules, paperwork and bureaucracy which slow them down.
By the way, the corresponding idiomatic term for bureaucracy would be red tape. And believe it or not, it can be a single word if you properly hyphenate it and use it as an adjective: red-tape procedures. Here's what they say about this expression on Wikipedia:
Red tape is an idiom that refers to excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making. It is usually applied to governments, corporations, and other large organizations.
2
Recommend moving "red tape" to an earlier part of the answer.
– jpmc26
yesterday
I would love to, but red tape was rather something I added as a compliment to bureaucracy since it's really a two-word expression while the OP was asking for a single word.
– Mike R
yesterday
I wouldn't worry too much about that. It's more important to give the OP the most correct word or phrase than it is to adhere to strict requirements like "one word."
– jpmc26
yesterday
2
I think bureaucratic is a better answer than red-tape anyway. Instead of moving red tape to the beginning, I would just remove it altogether, honestly.
– John Y
14 hours ago
1
The problem with moving it on 3 upvotes is that people can't downvote. :( I, for one, didn't even know about "red tape". Like you said, almost all cultures and countries, mine included, probably know it as bureaucratic.
– JoL
11 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
In almost all cultures and countries on this planet, what you're describing would simply be called bureaucracy and a process that involves a lot of bureaucracy would be referred to as a bureaucratic process. Here's one of the several definitions of this term from Cambridge Dictionary:
complicated rules, processes, and written work that make it hard to get something done
Example sentence (taken from the English Oxford Living Dictionaries):
More than 3,600 staff will be given the chance to influence the way the trust is run by pointing out the unnecessary rules, paperwork and bureaucracy which slow them down.
By the way, the corresponding idiomatic term for bureaucracy would be red tape. And believe it or not, it can be a single word if you properly hyphenate it and use it as an adjective: red-tape procedures. Here's what they say about this expression on Wikipedia:
Red tape is an idiom that refers to excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making. It is usually applied to governments, corporations, and other large organizations.
2
Recommend moving "red tape" to an earlier part of the answer.
– jpmc26
yesterday
I would love to, but red tape was rather something I added as a compliment to bureaucracy since it's really a two-word expression while the OP was asking for a single word.
– Mike R
yesterday
I wouldn't worry too much about that. It's more important to give the OP the most correct word or phrase than it is to adhere to strict requirements like "one word."
– jpmc26
yesterday
2
I think bureaucratic is a better answer than red-tape anyway. Instead of moving red tape to the beginning, I would just remove it altogether, honestly.
– John Y
14 hours ago
1
The problem with moving it on 3 upvotes is that people can't downvote. :( I, for one, didn't even know about "red tape". Like you said, almost all cultures and countries, mine included, probably know it as bureaucratic.
– JoL
11 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
In almost all cultures and countries on this planet, what you're describing would simply be called bureaucracy and a process that involves a lot of bureaucracy would be referred to as a bureaucratic process. Here's one of the several definitions of this term from Cambridge Dictionary:
complicated rules, processes, and written work that make it hard to get something done
Example sentence (taken from the English Oxford Living Dictionaries):
More than 3,600 staff will be given the chance to influence the way the trust is run by pointing out the unnecessary rules, paperwork and bureaucracy which slow them down.
By the way, the corresponding idiomatic term for bureaucracy would be red tape. And believe it or not, it can be a single word if you properly hyphenate it and use it as an adjective: red-tape procedures. Here's what they say about this expression on Wikipedia:
Red tape is an idiom that refers to excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making. It is usually applied to governments, corporations, and other large organizations.
In almost all cultures and countries on this planet, what you're describing would simply be called bureaucracy and a process that involves a lot of bureaucracy would be referred to as a bureaucratic process. Here's one of the several definitions of this term from Cambridge Dictionary:
complicated rules, processes, and written work that make it hard to get something done
Example sentence (taken from the English Oxford Living Dictionaries):
More than 3,600 staff will be given the chance to influence the way the trust is run by pointing out the unnecessary rules, paperwork and bureaucracy which slow them down.
By the way, the corresponding idiomatic term for bureaucracy would be red tape. And believe it or not, it can be a single word if you properly hyphenate it and use it as an adjective: red-tape procedures. Here's what they say about this expression on Wikipedia:
Red tape is an idiom that refers to excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making. It is usually applied to governments, corporations, and other large organizations.
edited yesterday
answered 2 days ago
Mike R
3,93821741
3,93821741
2
Recommend moving "red tape" to an earlier part of the answer.
– jpmc26
yesterday
I would love to, but red tape was rather something I added as a compliment to bureaucracy since it's really a two-word expression while the OP was asking for a single word.
– Mike R
yesterday
I wouldn't worry too much about that. It's more important to give the OP the most correct word or phrase than it is to adhere to strict requirements like "one word."
– jpmc26
yesterday
2
I think bureaucratic is a better answer than red-tape anyway. Instead of moving red tape to the beginning, I would just remove it altogether, honestly.
– John Y
14 hours ago
1
The problem with moving it on 3 upvotes is that people can't downvote. :( I, for one, didn't even know about "red tape". Like you said, almost all cultures and countries, mine included, probably know it as bureaucratic.
– JoL
11 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
2
Recommend moving "red tape" to an earlier part of the answer.
– jpmc26
yesterday
I would love to, but red tape was rather something I added as a compliment to bureaucracy since it's really a two-word expression while the OP was asking for a single word.
– Mike R
yesterday
I wouldn't worry too much about that. It's more important to give the OP the most correct word or phrase than it is to adhere to strict requirements like "one word."
– jpmc26
yesterday
2
I think bureaucratic is a better answer than red-tape anyway. Instead of moving red tape to the beginning, I would just remove it altogether, honestly.
– John Y
14 hours ago
1
The problem with moving it on 3 upvotes is that people can't downvote. :( I, for one, didn't even know about "red tape". Like you said, almost all cultures and countries, mine included, probably know it as bureaucratic.
– JoL
11 hours ago
2
2
Recommend moving "red tape" to an earlier part of the answer.
– jpmc26
yesterday
Recommend moving "red tape" to an earlier part of the answer.
– jpmc26
yesterday
I would love to, but red tape was rather something I added as a compliment to bureaucracy since it's really a two-word expression while the OP was asking for a single word.
– Mike R
yesterday
I would love to, but red tape was rather something I added as a compliment to bureaucracy since it's really a two-word expression while the OP was asking for a single word.
– Mike R
yesterday
I wouldn't worry too much about that. It's more important to give the OP the most correct word or phrase than it is to adhere to strict requirements like "one word."
– jpmc26
yesterday
I wouldn't worry too much about that. It's more important to give the OP the most correct word or phrase than it is to adhere to strict requirements like "one word."
– jpmc26
yesterday
2
2
I think bureaucratic is a better answer than red-tape anyway. Instead of moving red tape to the beginning, I would just remove it altogether, honestly.
– John Y
14 hours ago
I think bureaucratic is a better answer than red-tape anyway. Instead of moving red tape to the beginning, I would just remove it altogether, honestly.
– John Y
14 hours ago
1
1
The problem with moving it on 3 upvotes is that people can't downvote. :( I, for one, didn't even know about "red tape". Like you said, almost all cultures and countries, mine included, probably know it as bureaucratic.
– JoL
11 hours ago
The problem with moving it on 3 upvotes is that people can't downvote. :( I, for one, didn't even know about "red tape". Like you said, almost all cultures and countries, mine included, probably know it as bureaucratic.
– JoL
11 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
labyrinthine
Oxford Living Dictionaries gives the following definition:
1 (of a network) like a labyrinth; irregular and twisting.
‘labyrinthine streets and alleys’
1.1 (of a system) intricate and confusing.
‘labyrinthine plots and counterplots’
‘In the process, he unravelled the labyrinthine means by which a
painting bought by war profiteers and sold to German army looters
found its way into the cultural heart of Britain.’
‘For a show that has the labyrinthine, seemingly nonsensical plots of
a soap opera, that's a real accomplishment.’
‘The country's legendary bureaucracy is as labyrinthine as ever, and
its legal system opaque, with separate laws for foreign and domestic
investors.’
‘The labyrinthine diplomacy and politics of the Italian wars are the
real subject of this painstaking book about what Jem meant to others.’
...
Labyrinthine, through its maze analogy, suggests unnecessary complexity and a process that could be made much more simple.
Also a great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
labyrinthine
Oxford Living Dictionaries gives the following definition:
1 (of a network) like a labyrinth; irregular and twisting.
‘labyrinthine streets and alleys’
1.1 (of a system) intricate and confusing.
‘labyrinthine plots and counterplots’
‘In the process, he unravelled the labyrinthine means by which a
painting bought by war profiteers and sold to German army looters
found its way into the cultural heart of Britain.’
‘For a show that has the labyrinthine, seemingly nonsensical plots of
a soap opera, that's a real accomplishment.’
‘The country's legendary bureaucracy is as labyrinthine as ever, and
its legal system opaque, with separate laws for foreign and domestic
investors.’
‘The labyrinthine diplomacy and politics of the Italian wars are the
real subject of this painstaking book about what Jem meant to others.’
...
Labyrinthine, through its maze analogy, suggests unnecessary complexity and a process that could be made much more simple.
Also a great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
labyrinthine
Oxford Living Dictionaries gives the following definition:
1 (of a network) like a labyrinth; irregular and twisting.
‘labyrinthine streets and alleys’
1.1 (of a system) intricate and confusing.
‘labyrinthine plots and counterplots’
‘In the process, he unravelled the labyrinthine means by which a
painting bought by war profiteers and sold to German army looters
found its way into the cultural heart of Britain.’
‘For a show that has the labyrinthine, seemingly nonsensical plots of
a soap opera, that's a real accomplishment.’
‘The country's legendary bureaucracy is as labyrinthine as ever, and
its legal system opaque, with separate laws for foreign and domestic
investors.’
‘The labyrinthine diplomacy and politics of the Italian wars are the
real subject of this painstaking book about what Jem meant to others.’
...
Labyrinthine, through its maze analogy, suggests unnecessary complexity and a process that could be made much more simple.
labyrinthine
Oxford Living Dictionaries gives the following definition:
1 (of a network) like a labyrinth; irregular and twisting.
‘labyrinthine streets and alleys’
1.1 (of a system) intricate and confusing.
‘labyrinthine plots and counterplots’
‘In the process, he unravelled the labyrinthine means by which a
painting bought by war profiteers and sold to German army looters
found its way into the cultural heart of Britain.’
‘For a show that has the labyrinthine, seemingly nonsensical plots of
a soap opera, that's a real accomplishment.’
‘The country's legendary bureaucracy is as labyrinthine as ever, and
its legal system opaque, with separate laws for foreign and domestic
investors.’
‘The labyrinthine diplomacy and politics of the Italian wars are the
real subject of this painstaking book about what Jem meant to others.’
...
Labyrinthine, through its maze analogy, suggests unnecessary complexity and a process that could be made much more simple.
answered 2 days ago
tmgr
2,7971823
2,7971823
Also a great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
Also a great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Also a great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Also a great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
'Convoluted' might be the word you're looking for. Described by Google as:
(especially of an argument, story, or sentence) extremely complex and difficult to follow.
An example of usage:
"the film is let down by a convoluted plot in which nothing really happens"
New contributor
ZzaAakK is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
4
Welcome to EL&U! Please provide sources and/or definitions to improve the quality of your answer.
– A Lambent Eye
yesterday
Hi Zak, welcome to EL&U. This isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of convoluted (linked to the source) and perhaps a sample sentence. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
– Chappo
yesterday
I've edited it to reflect the changes you were looking for.
– ZzaAakK
yesterday
Yet another great answer from a new user.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Eloquent. Tell me, how does one ascend from the lowest level of Stack Exchange: 'new user'? Also, tell me how your comment was in any way necessary, or constructive?
– ZzaAakK
21 hours ago
add a comment |
'Convoluted' might be the word you're looking for. Described by Google as:
(especially of an argument, story, or sentence) extremely complex and difficult to follow.
An example of usage:
"the film is let down by a convoluted plot in which nothing really happens"
New contributor
ZzaAakK is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
4
Welcome to EL&U! Please provide sources and/or definitions to improve the quality of your answer.
– A Lambent Eye
yesterday
Hi Zak, welcome to EL&U. This isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of convoluted (linked to the source) and perhaps a sample sentence. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
– Chappo
yesterday
I've edited it to reflect the changes you were looking for.
– ZzaAakK
yesterday
Yet another great answer from a new user.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Eloquent. Tell me, how does one ascend from the lowest level of Stack Exchange: 'new user'? Also, tell me how your comment was in any way necessary, or constructive?
– ZzaAakK
21 hours ago
add a comment |
'Convoluted' might be the word you're looking for. Described by Google as:
(especially of an argument, story, or sentence) extremely complex and difficult to follow.
An example of usage:
"the film is let down by a convoluted plot in which nothing really happens"
New contributor
ZzaAakK is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
'Convoluted' might be the word you're looking for. Described by Google as:
(especially of an argument, story, or sentence) extremely complex and difficult to follow.
An example of usage:
"the film is let down by a convoluted plot in which nothing really happens"
New contributor
ZzaAakK is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited yesterday
New contributor
ZzaAakK is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered yesterday
ZzaAakK
1073
1073
New contributor
ZzaAakK is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
ZzaAakK is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
ZzaAakK is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
4
Welcome to EL&U! Please provide sources and/or definitions to improve the quality of your answer.
– A Lambent Eye
yesterday
Hi Zak, welcome to EL&U. This isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of convoluted (linked to the source) and perhaps a sample sentence. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
– Chappo
yesterday
I've edited it to reflect the changes you were looking for.
– ZzaAakK
yesterday
Yet another great answer from a new user.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Eloquent. Tell me, how does one ascend from the lowest level of Stack Exchange: 'new user'? Also, tell me how your comment was in any way necessary, or constructive?
– ZzaAakK
21 hours ago
add a comment |
4
Welcome to EL&U! Please provide sources and/or definitions to improve the quality of your answer.
– A Lambent Eye
yesterday
Hi Zak, welcome to EL&U. This isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of convoluted (linked to the source) and perhaps a sample sentence. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
– Chappo
yesterday
I've edited it to reflect the changes you were looking for.
– ZzaAakK
yesterday
Yet another great answer from a new user.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Eloquent. Tell me, how does one ascend from the lowest level of Stack Exchange: 'new user'? Also, tell me how your comment was in any way necessary, or constructive?
– ZzaAakK
21 hours ago
4
4
Welcome to EL&U! Please provide sources and/or definitions to improve the quality of your answer.
– A Lambent Eye
yesterday
Welcome to EL&U! Please provide sources and/or definitions to improve the quality of your answer.
– A Lambent Eye
yesterday
Hi Zak, welcome to EL&U. This isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of convoluted (linked to the source) and perhaps a sample sentence. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
– Chappo
yesterday
Hi Zak, welcome to EL&U. This isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of convoluted (linked to the source) and perhaps a sample sentence. For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
– Chappo
yesterday
I've edited it to reflect the changes you were looking for.
– ZzaAakK
yesterday
I've edited it to reflect the changes you were looking for.
– ZzaAakK
yesterday
Yet another great answer from a new user.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Yet another great answer from a new user.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Eloquent. Tell me, how does one ascend from the lowest level of Stack Exchange: 'new user'? Also, tell me how your comment was in any way necessary, or constructive?
– ZzaAakK
21 hours ago
Eloquent. Tell me, how does one ascend from the lowest level of Stack Exchange: 'new user'? Also, tell me how your comment was in any way necessary, or constructive?
– ZzaAakK
21 hours ago
add a comment |
Onerous is defined by Oxford Dictionaries as:
(of a task or responsibility) involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty.
‘he found his duties increasingly onerous’
And by Google as:
(of a task, duty, or responsibility) involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
1
Also, arduous. The word is protocol; these are the adjectives you need.
– Mazura
yesterday
1
Yet another great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
Onerous is defined by Oxford Dictionaries as:
(of a task or responsibility) involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty.
‘he found his duties increasingly onerous’
And by Google as:
(of a task, duty, or responsibility) involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
1
Also, arduous. The word is protocol; these are the adjectives you need.
– Mazura
yesterday
1
Yet another great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
Onerous is defined by Oxford Dictionaries as:
(of a task or responsibility) involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty.
‘he found his duties increasingly onerous’
And by Google as:
(of a task, duty, or responsibility) involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome.
Onerous is defined by Oxford Dictionaries as:
(of a task or responsibility) involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty.
‘he found his duties increasingly onerous’
And by Google as:
(of a task, duty, or responsibility) involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome.
answered 2 days ago
Jim
29.2k857111
29.2k857111
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
1
Also, arduous. The word is protocol; these are the adjectives you need.
– Mazura
yesterday
1
Yet another great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
1
Also, arduous. The word is protocol; these are the adjectives you need.
– Mazura
yesterday
1
Yet another great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
1
1
Also, arduous. The word is protocol; these are the adjectives you need.
– Mazura
yesterday
Also, arduous. The word is protocol; these are the adjectives you need.
– Mazura
yesterday
1
1
Yet another great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Yet another great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
Cumbersome would be a simple word to use here. In your context, cumbersome would mean something that is slow or complicated, and therefore inefficient.
Usage example -
'Most of the employees were vexed with their company's cumbersome procedures'
New contributor
Hassan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
Cumbersome would be a simple word to use here. In your context, cumbersome would mean something that is slow or complicated, and therefore inefficient.
Usage example -
'Most of the employees were vexed with their company's cumbersome procedures'
New contributor
Hassan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
Cumbersome would be a simple word to use here. In your context, cumbersome would mean something that is slow or complicated, and therefore inefficient.
Usage example -
'Most of the employees were vexed with their company's cumbersome procedures'
New contributor
Hassan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Cumbersome would be a simple word to use here. In your context, cumbersome would mean something that is slow or complicated, and therefore inefficient.
Usage example -
'Most of the employees were vexed with their company's cumbersome procedures'
New contributor
Hassan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Hassan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 2 days ago
Hassan
873
873
New contributor
Hassan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Hassan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Hassan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
red tape is defined by Merriam-Webster as:
Official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity which results in delay or inaction.
Merriam-Webster example of red tape in a sentence:
You would not believe the red tape involved in getting the required permits.
New contributor
Jep is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
Probably the best answer here. Welcome, new user! Thanks for the great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
red tape is defined by Merriam-Webster as:
Official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity which results in delay or inaction.
Merriam-Webster example of red tape in a sentence:
You would not believe the red tape involved in getting the required permits.
New contributor
Jep is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
Probably the best answer here. Welcome, new user! Thanks for the great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
red tape is defined by Merriam-Webster as:
Official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity which results in delay or inaction.
Merriam-Webster example of red tape in a sentence:
You would not believe the red tape involved in getting the required permits.
New contributor
Jep is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
red tape is defined by Merriam-Webster as:
Official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity which results in delay or inaction.
Merriam-Webster example of red tape in a sentence:
You would not believe the red tape involved in getting the required permits.
New contributor
Jep is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited yesterday


V2Blast
13918
13918
New contributor
Jep is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 2 days ago
Jep
352
352
New contributor
Jep is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Jep is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Jep is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
Probably the best answer here. Welcome, new user! Thanks for the great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
Probably the best answer here. Welcome, new user! Thanks for the great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Probably the best answer here. Welcome, new user! Thanks for the great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Probably the best answer here. Welcome, new user! Thanks for the great answer.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
add a comment |
Employees complain that this methodology is
???
and therefore it would be tiresome to follow it due to the fact it has many phases.
Rigorous - adjective - from the the Cambridge Business English Dictionary:
detailed and careful:
- I want rigorous financial analysis of the options.
- The selection process is extremely rigorous.
strict or severe:
- A rigorous monetary and fiscal policy should encourage efficiency.
- Refrigeration of food, improved hygiene and rigorous standards in the food industry prevent gastro-intestinal infections.
add a comment |
Employees complain that this methodology is
???
and therefore it would be tiresome to follow it due to the fact it has many phases.
Rigorous - adjective - from the the Cambridge Business English Dictionary:
detailed and careful:
- I want rigorous financial analysis of the options.
- The selection process is extremely rigorous.
strict or severe:
- A rigorous monetary and fiscal policy should encourage efficiency.
- Refrigeration of food, improved hygiene and rigorous standards in the food industry prevent gastro-intestinal infections.
add a comment |
Employees complain that this methodology is
???
and therefore it would be tiresome to follow it due to the fact it has many phases.
Rigorous - adjective - from the the Cambridge Business English Dictionary:
detailed and careful:
- I want rigorous financial analysis of the options.
- The selection process is extremely rigorous.
strict or severe:
- A rigorous monetary and fiscal policy should encourage efficiency.
- Refrigeration of food, improved hygiene and rigorous standards in the food industry prevent gastro-intestinal infections.
Employees complain that this methodology is
???
and therefore it would be tiresome to follow it due to the fact it has many phases.
Rigorous - adjective - from the the Cambridge Business English Dictionary:
detailed and careful:
- I want rigorous financial analysis of the options.
- The selection process is extremely rigorous.
strict or severe:
- A rigorous monetary and fiscal policy should encourage efficiency.
- Refrigeration of food, improved hygiene and rigorous standards in the food industry prevent gastro-intestinal infections.
answered yesterday


Rob
731214
731214
add a comment |
add a comment |
Meticulous may be ideal here. It is defined as "taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise; thorough" (dictionary.com).
Or, perhaps Superfluous would be an appropriate word, meaning "being more than is sufficient or required; excessive" or "unnecessary or needless" (dictionary.com). However, this word would be more effective if describing unnecessary procedures, rather than necessary albeit annoying procedures.
New contributor
Bethany Brower is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
Meticulous may be ideal here. It is defined as "taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise; thorough" (dictionary.com).
Or, perhaps Superfluous would be an appropriate word, meaning "being more than is sufficient or required; excessive" or "unnecessary or needless" (dictionary.com). However, this word would be more effective if describing unnecessary procedures, rather than necessary albeit annoying procedures.
New contributor
Bethany Brower is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
Meticulous may be ideal here. It is defined as "taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise; thorough" (dictionary.com).
Or, perhaps Superfluous would be an appropriate word, meaning "being more than is sufficient or required; excessive" or "unnecessary or needless" (dictionary.com). However, this word would be more effective if describing unnecessary procedures, rather than necessary albeit annoying procedures.
New contributor
Bethany Brower is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Meticulous may be ideal here. It is defined as "taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise; thorough" (dictionary.com).
Or, perhaps Superfluous would be an appropriate word, meaning "being more than is sufficient or required; excessive" or "unnecessary or needless" (dictionary.com). However, this word would be more effective if describing unnecessary procedures, rather than necessary albeit annoying procedures.
New contributor
Bethany Brower is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Bethany Brower is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered yesterday


Bethany Brower
211
211
New contributor
Bethany Brower is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Bethany Brower is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Bethany Brower is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
Merriam–Webster gives the second, and more distinctive, meaning of rigmarole as "a complex and ritualistic procedure that is characterized more by form than genuine meaning". It often applies to official procedures that, over a long period of time, have adapted to changing circumstances by accumulation, because no-one has had the authority to adapt them by radical simplification.
add a comment |
Merriam–Webster gives the second, and more distinctive, meaning of rigmarole as "a complex and ritualistic procedure that is characterized more by form than genuine meaning". It often applies to official procedures that, over a long period of time, have adapted to changing circumstances by accumulation, because no-one has had the authority to adapt them by radical simplification.
add a comment |
Merriam–Webster gives the second, and more distinctive, meaning of rigmarole as "a complex and ritualistic procedure that is characterized more by form than genuine meaning". It often applies to official procedures that, over a long period of time, have adapted to changing circumstances by accumulation, because no-one has had the authority to adapt them by radical simplification.
Merriam–Webster gives the second, and more distinctive, meaning of rigmarole as "a complex and ritualistic procedure that is characterized more by form than genuine meaning". It often applies to official procedures that, over a long period of time, have adapted to changing circumstances by accumulation, because no-one has had the authority to adapt them by radical simplification.
answered 12 mins ago
John Bentin
75948
75948
add a comment |
add a comment |
One might describe such a procedure as anfractuous:-
characterized by twists and turns; convoluted [Collins English Dictionary via the Free Dictionary]
I believe the American taxation system was once so described by a famous politician as an anfractuousity but sadly can't run down the quote; it must be quite old though as words like that don't fit well in a sound bite. Even the spell-checker here doesn't like it.
add a comment |
One might describe such a procedure as anfractuous:-
characterized by twists and turns; convoluted [Collins English Dictionary via the Free Dictionary]
I believe the American taxation system was once so described by a famous politician as an anfractuousity but sadly can't run down the quote; it must be quite old though as words like that don't fit well in a sound bite. Even the spell-checker here doesn't like it.
add a comment |
One might describe such a procedure as anfractuous:-
characterized by twists and turns; convoluted [Collins English Dictionary via the Free Dictionary]
I believe the American taxation system was once so described by a famous politician as an anfractuousity but sadly can't run down the quote; it must be quite old though as words like that don't fit well in a sound bite. Even the spell-checker here doesn't like it.
One might describe such a procedure as anfractuous:-
characterized by twists and turns; convoluted [Collins English Dictionary via the Free Dictionary]
I believe the American taxation system was once so described by a famous politician as an anfractuousity but sadly can't run down the quote; it must be quite old though as words like that don't fit well in a sound bite. Even the spell-checker here doesn't like it.
answered 32 secs ago
Brian Hooper
28.9k43127231
28.9k43127231
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to English Language & Usage Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Some of your past answers have not been well-received, and you're in danger of being blocked from answering.
Please pay close attention to the following guidance:
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fenglish.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f478545%2fa-word-to-describe-an-excessively-formal-process-or-procedure%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
6mamefo6gaLP2UAknW C,n2McPk67R,Wh3j,eGCUFV,MMIyD70qF3lGxb oXOsMZbxqOb2crXjy20u9gH,U5O2
5
Ceremonial doesn't imply religion, but it doesn't imply excess either. Rather it implies actions that don't have any practical meaning but are gone through "for show".
– StarWeaver
2 days ago
4
What single word could be used in place of “long drawn out procedure”? (rigamarole)
– Mazura
yesterday
It's just "myriad subprocesses". Not "myriad of subprocesses".
– Fattie
21 hours ago
1
"ceremonial" really has no religious implication.
– Fattie
21 hours ago
Do you mean excessively complicated? Excessively formal is 'bureaucratic'.
– Mitch
15 hours ago