# activist

/ˈæktəvəst/ (US) · /ˈæktɪvˌɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/activist
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. political/social campaigner

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The environmental activist organized a protest to protect the local forest from builders.
- Human rights activists have spent decades lobbying the government to reform the legal system and ensure fair treatment for all citizens.

### 2. taking direct action

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

For teachers: characterised by or involving direct action or vigorous campaigning for a cause.

- The group took an activist approach to solving the city's housing problem.
- The court's activist stance on environmental protection has led to several landmark rulings that challenge existing industrial regulations.

### 3. active professional

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

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

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

- As a judicial activist, the judge worked tirelessly to update old legal rules.
- The new CEO was a corporate activist who immediately began restructuring the company's underperforming departments.

## Examples

- The environmental activist spoke at the local rally.
- After years of working as a community activist, she finally saw the city council pass the new housing law.
- While some critics dismissed the movement as performative, the lead activist maintained that consistent public pressure was the only way to force a legislative response.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.