English Reference
noun · adjective

activist

n. · adj.
US /ˈæktəvəst/ UK /ˈæktɪvˌɪst/ ac·tivist UK spelling activist's, activist's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.someone who takes action to help make a change in society or politics.

    n.an individual who campaigns to bring about political or social change, often through public protest or organized advocacy.

    Simple

    The environmental activist organized a protest to protect the local forest from builders.

    In context

    Human rights activists have spent decades lobbying the government to reform the legal system and ensure fair treatment for all citizens.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Academic

    adj.describing a person or group that takes strong action to reach a goal.

    adj.characterised by or involving direct action or vigorous campaigning for a cause.

    Simple

    The group took an activist approach to solving the city's housing problem.

    In context

    The court's activist stance on environmental protection has led to several landmark rulings that challenge existing industrial regulations.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Formal

    n.someone who is very active and energetic in their job or profession.

    n.a person who is conspicuously active or energetic in the performance of their professional or occupational duties.

    Simple

    As a judicial activist, the judge worked tirelessly to update old legal rules.

    In context

    The new CEO was a corporate activist who immediately began restructuring the company's underperforming departments.

    go getterdynamo

Aida Corovic, a human rights activist, has stood by the students since the beginning of their protests.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

An agent described activists discussing recruitment and “de-escalation” at protests, with speakers suggesting having a “police liaison” and “safety marshal” at events.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

From active + -ist.

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

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated