functionary — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A person employed as an official in a bureaucracy (usually corporate or governmental) who holds limited authority and primarily serves to carry out a simple function for which discretion is minimal or not required.

   Synonyms

   bureaucratofficialofficeradministratorapparatchik

   Examples

   Near-synonyms: bureaucrat; official; officer; administrator; apparatchik

   Consciences are for politicians, Bernard! We are humble functionaries whose duty it is to implement the commands of our democratically elected representatives.

2. Such a person who is petty, pedantic, short-sighted, uncaring, or counterproductive; sometimes also with implication of being amoral or corrupt.

   Synonyms

   bureaucratapparatchikpaper-pusherbean counter

   Examples

   Near-synonyms: bureaucrat, apparatchik; paper-pusher; bean counter

Noun

1. a worker who holds or is invested with an office

   Synonyms

   official

   Broader terms

   skilled workertrained worker