functionary JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU
/fʌŋkˈʃɑːnəri/ · fun·gu·na·ri
noun
- A person employed as an official in a bureaucracy who holds limited authority and primarily serves to carry out a simple function for which discretion is not required. The functionary in charge of processing paperwork was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of documents.
- A paper-pusher, bean counter. The company's functionary was more concerned with meeting quotas than with helping customers.
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Did you know? The term 'functionary' is often used in a derogatory manner to describe someone who is seen as merely carrying out routine tasks without any real authority or autonomy.