English Reference
Noun

activism

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈæktɪˌvɪzəm/ UK /ˈæktɪvˌɪzəm/ ac·tivism UK spelling activisms

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.


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.

The other was in 1962 for peace , for his activism against nuclear weapons testing.

ScienceDaily· 27 Aug 2026

But our research shows that not all forms of activism are valued equally.

Phys.org· 3 Sept 2026

From active + -ism.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated