Administration

Definition

Administration is a noun that refers to the process or activity of managing or overseeing the operations of an organization, institution, or government. It can also denote the group of people responsible for making and implementing decisions within an organization.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ədˌmɪnɪˈstreɪʃən/
• Respelling: uh-dmin-uh-STRAY-shuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ədˌmɪnɪˈstreɪʃən/
• Respelling: uh-dmin-uh-STRAY-shuhn

Etymology

The word "administration" originates from the Latin term "administratio," meaning "management" or "direction." This term combines "ad-" (to) and "ministrare" (to serve). The word entered English in the 14th century, referring to the act of managing affairs or tasks.

Derivatives

• Administer (verb)
• Administrator (noun)
• Administrative (adjective)
• Administrable (adjective)
• Administration (noun, plural)

Synonyms

• Management
• Supervision
• Governance

Antonyms

• Mismanagement
• Neglect
• Disorganization

Usage

The noun "administration" is widely used to refer to both the act of managing and the people in charge of managing within an organization or government. For example, "The new school administration implemented many changes," or "She works in hospital administration."

Related Terms

• Policy: A course or principle of action adopted by an organization or individual.
• Oversight: The act of overseeing or supervising an activity or organization.
• Regulation: A rule or directive maintained by an authority.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The process or activity of managing the operations of an organization or institution: Refers to the planning, organizing, and supervision of tasks to achieve goals.
  • Example: "She studied business administration at university."
• The collective group responsible for governing or managing an organization: Describes the team or body that makes and enforces decisions.
  • Example: "The university administration announced new academic policies."