Word
elitism
US/ˈɛɫɪˌtɪzəm/
UK/ɪlˈiːtɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the belief that a small group of rich, educated, or powerful people should lead or get special treatment. You see it when schools, clubs, or jobs favour the few and leave most people out.
n. the belief or practice of favouring a select group regarded as superior in wealth, education, or status, often at the expense of wider participation. Frequently contrasted with egalitarianism and democratic inclusion.
Examples
“Elitism keeps many talented students out of top schools.”
“Critics say the club's high fees and strict dress code reflect elitism that discourages local families from joining.”
“While selective training can raise standards, unchecked elitism narrows public debate by treating ordinary experience as less informed and less worthy of attention.”
Examples
simple
“Elitism keeps many talented students out of top schools.”
contextual
“Critics say the club's high fees and strict dress code reflect elitism that discourages local families from joining.”
complex
“While selective training can raise standards, unchecked elitism narrows public debate by treating ordinary experience as less informed and less worthy of attention.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “elitism” in context.
Verb
01. challenge elitism
“Students organised a campaign to challenge elitism in the rowing club.”
verb + noun
02. combat elitism
“The university introduced bursaries to combat elitism in admissions.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. academic elitism
“The admissions policy was criticised as academic elitism favouring private schools.”
adj + noun
04. cultural elitism
“Critics dismissed the festival as cultural elitism aimed only at wealthy audiences.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. accusation of elitism
“The minister rejected the accusation of elitism in school funding.”
noun + prep + noun
06. air of elitism
“The gala had an air of elitism that made newcomers uncomfortable.”
noun + prep + noun
07. bastion of elitism
“Critics called the university a bastion of elitism.”
noun + prep + noun
08. culture of elitism
“The firm is trying to shed its culture of elitism and privilege.”
noun + prep + noun
09. a bastion of elitism
“The historic club remains a bastion of elitism and privilege.”
10. accuse the school of elitism
“Parents accused the school of elitism over its fee rise.”
11. challenge the culture of elitism
“New members vowed to challenge the culture of elitism at the club.”
12. combat the perception of elitism
“The party modernised its image to combat the perception of elitism.”
Etymology
From elite + -ism. First attested in the 1930s.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/elitism