Definition of Administration
Quick Meaning of Administration
The people and processes that keep an organization running. The management and organization of a system or company.
Detailed Definition of Administration
The process of running and organizing an organization, business, government, or institution; or the group of people responsible for managing an organization.
How to Pronounce Administration
Stress pattern: oooOo (5-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the third syllable: ad-min-is-TRAY-shun. The first and second syllables are unstressed and quick.
Watch out: Some learners stress the first syllable (AD-min-is-tray-shun) or the second (ad-MIN-is-tray-shun). Correct: ad-min-is-TRAY-shun.
Origin and Etymology of Administration
From Latin 'administrare' (to manage, serve). 'Ad-' (to) + 'ministrare' (to serve, manage). Entered English in 14th century.
How to Use Administration in a Sentence
Each example shows “administration” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The university administration announced new policies for student housing.”
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“Efficient administration is crucial for the success of any organization.”
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“Government administration requires careful planning and coordination.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Administration
Common Synonyms for Administration
Smart Synonyms for Administration — When to Use Each
- management
- Broader term; can apply to smaller operations
- governance
- More formal; emphasizes rules and authority structures
- operation
- More informal; focuses on day-to-day activities
Common Collocations with Administration
These phrases pair with “administration” in everyday English:
- administration office
- school administration
- university administration
- government administration
- administrative costs
Common Mistakes When Using Administration
Even fluent speakers slip up with “administration”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The administrations is responsible for this decision.
- ✓ Correct: The administration is responsible for this decision.
- Why: When referring to a single organization's management, use singular 'administration' with singular verb 'is'.
- ✗ Wrong: The administration of the school are very strict.
- ✓ Correct: The administration of the school is very strict.
- Why: Even when referring to multiple people collectively as 'the administration', use singular verb agreement.
- ✗ Wrong: I work in a school administration.
- ✓ Correct: I work in school administration. / I work in a school's administration.
- Why: Use 'in administration' without 'a', or specify possession with 'a school's administration'.
Other Forms of Administration
- Noun: administration
- Verb: administer
- Adjective: administrative
- Adverb: administratively
Frequently Asked Questions About Administration
What is the meaning of "Administration"?
The people and processes that keep an organization running. The management and organization of a system or company.
How do you pronounce "Administration"?
The IPA is /ədˌmɪnɪˈstreɪʃən/. Stress the third syllable: ad-min-is-TRAY-shun. The first and second syllables are unstressed and quick.
What part of speech is "Administration"?
"Administration" is a noun at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Administration"?
Common synonyms include management, organization, running.
How do you use "Administration" in a sentence?
For example: "The university administration announced new policies for student housing."