Word
activism
Phoneticsac·tivism
US/ˈæktɪˌvɪzəm/
UK/ˈæktɪvˌɪzəm/
Uncountable noun Politics
Definition
n. the work of taking action to bring about social or political change. This often involves joining protests, writing letters, or organizing groups to support a cause.
n. the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change. Often involves direct action such as demonstrations, strikes, or lobbying.
Examples
“Her activism helped change the local laws on recycling.”
“Student activism on campus led to the university divesting from fossil fuel companies last year.”
“While digital activism can raise awareness quickly, long-term systemic change usually requires sustained grassroots organizing and direct engagement with policy makers.”
Examples
simple
“Her activism helped change the local laws on recycling.”
contextual
“Student activism on campus led to the university divesting from fossil fuel companies last year.”
complex
“While digital activism can raise awareness quickly, long-term systemic change usually requires sustained grassroots organizing and direct engagement with policy makers.”
Usage
Uncountable in its general sense; occasionally countable when referring to specific types or instances of the practice.
Real-World Examples
“The other was in 1962 for peace , for his activism against nuclear weapons testing.” “But our research shows that not all forms of activism are valued equally.” Etymology
From active + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/activism