# egalitarian

/ɪˌɡæɫəˈtɛɹiən/ (US) · /ɪɡˌælɪtˈeəɹiən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/egalitarian
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

believing that all people are equal and should have the same rights and opportunities. You use this to describe a person, a group, or a system that treats everyone fairly.

For teachers: characterised by the belief that all people are inherently equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. Often used to describe social systems, political philosophies, or organizational structures.

## Examples

- The company has an egalitarian culture where everyone's opinion matters.
- The new government promised to build a more egalitarian society by improving access to education and healthcare for all citizens.
- While the organization claims to be egalitarian, the significant pay gap between executives and entry-level staff suggests that a rigid hierarchy still persists in practice.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.

---

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.