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political
/pəˈlɪtɪkəl/
The word "political" can be used in two very different settings. In a broad sense, it refers to the official government of a nation or city. In a narrower, more informal sense, it describes the social 'games' people play to get promotions or power within a company or group. This is often called "office politics." Avoid confusing this with "politician," which is the noun for the person who works in politics.
💬Casual Conversation
The office vibe feels like a stagnant pond. Is it too political in there?
It's a dumpster fire, sir. Please stop texting me.
Meanings
Relating to the government or the public affairs of a country.
"The two countries are currently facing a severe political crisis."
Concerned with the ideas, strategies, and activities used to gain or maintain power in an organization.
"She is very skilled at navigating the political landscape of the corporate office."
Examples
The two countries are facing a severe political crisis.
She navigates the political landscape of the office with ease.
Look, I just can't deal with this political drama anymore!
Is this a professional decision or just some political move?
Stop making every single conversation about your political views!
The new law is a total political disaster, isn't it?
I'm not getting involved in these political games, thanks.
Collocations & Compounds
political party
An organized group of people with similar political goals and opinions.
political asylum
Protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee.
political instability
A situation in which a government is unstable and likely to collapse or be overthrown.
political will
The firm intention of a government or political leader to achieve a particular goal.
political landscape
The general situation or prevailing mood regarding politics and power dynamics in a specific area.
Idioms & Sayings
political football
A controversial issue that is debated or manipulated by opposing political parties for their own advantage rather than being resolved.
political animal
A person who is strongly interested in politics and is skilled at gaining power or influence.
political climate
The prevailing mood, opinions, and attitudes of a population regarding government and policy at a particular time.
political landscape
The general situation or state of political affairs in a particular country or organization.
Cultural Context
When we hear the word "political," our minds immediately jump to ballot boxes, parliaments, and sweeping legislative debates. However, there is a far more intimate and pervasive version of this phenomenon that exists in every breakroom, Zoom call, and quarterly review: the intricate web of corporate politics. While often dismissed as "playing games," office politics are actually a complex manifestation of human social psychology and power dynamics.
At its core, political behavior in an organization is the process by which individuals gain power to achieve their goals. It isn't necessarily about malice or manipulation; rather, it is about navigating the informal hierarchy that exists beneath the official organizational chart. In every company, there is a formal structure (who reports to whom) and an informal network (who actually holds influence). The political savvy of an employee often determines their career trajectory more than their technical proficiency. This is because resources—promotions, high-profile projects, and budget approvals—are finite, and the distribution of these resources is rarely a purely meritocratic process.
Psychologically, this drive for political positioning stems from our evolutionary need for status and security within a tribe. In a prehistoric setting, being well-connected meant better access to food and protection; in a modern corporate setting, it means job security and professional visibility. The "political landscape" of an office is essentially a map of trust, reciprocity, and social capital. When someone says they are "navigating the political waters," they are engaging in a sophisticated dance of coalition-building and strategic communication.
The danger arises when these political maneuvers shift from collaborative navigation to toxic competition. When the goal becomes the hoarding of power rather than the achievement of organizational success, morale plummets and productivity dies. Yet, those who completely ignore the political dimension of their work often find themselves blindsided by decisions made in rooms they weren't invited into. Ultimately, understanding the political nature of human cooperation is not about becoming a manipulator, but about developing the emotional intelligence to move through an organization with grace, empathy, and strategic intent.