In current use, however, a person doesn't have to be a member of the Communist Party to be called an "apparatchik"; he or she just has to be someone who mindlessly follows orders in an organization or bureaucracy.

How to use apparatchik in a sentence?

Apparatchiks were present in central office, but they were not very competent. The additional member system is an apparatchik's dream. There was no prospect of party apparatchiks getting any favours. They know that this measure gives excessive power to the party apparatchiks.

What is the definition of functionary?

1 : one who serves in a certain function. 2 : one holding office in a government or political party.