micromanage

verb

mi·​cro·​man·​age ˌmī-krō-ˈma-nij How to pronounce micromanage (audio)
micromanaged; micromanaging; micromanages

transitive verb

: to manage especially with excessive control or attention to details

intransitive verb

: to direct or conduct the activities of a group or an enterprise by micromanaging them
micromanagement noun
micromanager noun

Examples of micromanage in a Sentence

He micromanaged every detail of the budget.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Iran may not micromanage all aspects of governance in Iraq. Michael Knights, Foreign Affairs, 11 Mar. 2025 Firsthand accounts from past employees about micromanaging, disrespect, or unfair treatment could justify declining, since a bad boss can make a potential dream job miserable. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 Today’s parents, driven by fear and a desire to protect their children from failure, often micromanage their lives. Scott White, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Prioritize Recognition And Meaningful Feedback Confidence thrives when team members feel truly seen, supported and valued—not micromanaged. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for micromanage

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of micromanage was in 1976

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Cite this Entry

“Micromanage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/micromanage. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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