Dilbert principle

proper noun

The theory that incompetent people in an organization tend to be promoted to a level at which they can do less harm to productivity.

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Meanings

proper nounthe Dilbert principle
  1. humorousmanagementThe theory that incompetent people in an organization tend to be promoted to a level at which they can do less harm to productivity.

Origin

Introduced in the Dilbert comic strips, as a satirical take on the Peter principle.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Dilbert principle. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Dilbert%20principle

MLA

“Dilbert principle.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Dilbert%20principle. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Dilbert principle,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Dilbert%20principle.

Source: Dilbert principle on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.