oligarchical

/ˌɑlɪˈɡɑrkɪkəl/
adjective
  1. Relating to a form of government in which a small group of people holds all the power.
    • Many citizens protested against the oligarchical system that ignored the needs of the majority.
    • Historians describe the ancient city-state as an oligarchical society ruled by a council of nobles.
    • The country's oligarchical leaders made decisions that benefited only the wealthy few.
  2. Characterized by or suggesting control by a small, powerful group in any organization or context.
    • The company's board became oligarchical, with a handful of executives making all the major decisions.
    • The club's oligarchical structure discouraged new members from having a real voice in its activities.
    • Some critics argue that the media industry has become oligarchical, owned by just a few corporations.
What does "oligarchical" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean