What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nondemocracy
Example
The country's nondemocratic regime has been criticized for its lack of transparency and human rights abuses. [nondemocratic: adjective]
Example
Nondemocracy often leads to corruption and abuse of power by those in authority. [nondemocracy: noun]
authoritarianism
Example
The authoritarian government cracked down on dissent and jailed political opponents. [authoritarian: adjective]
Example
Authoritarianism often leads to repression and violation of human rights. [authoritarianism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Authoritarianism is more commonly used than nondemocracy in academic and political discourse. Nondemocracy is a less common term and may be used interchangeably with other terms such as autocracy, oligarchy, or dictatorship.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nondemocracy and authoritarianism?
Nondemocracy and authoritarianism are both formal terms that are typically used in academic and political contexts.
