Word
environmentalism
Phoneticsen·vi·ron·men·tal·ism
US/ɛnˈvaɪɹənˌmɛnəˌɫɪzəm/
UK/ɛnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəlˌɪzəm/
Uncountable noun Politics
Definition
n. the belief that we should protect the natural world and stop harming it. It involves taking action to keep the air, water, and land clean.
n. the political and social movement dedicated to the protection of the natural environment. It encompasses both the ideology of conservation and the practical efforts to mitigate ecological damage.
Examples
“Environmentalism is becoming a major focus for many young voters.”
“The city council passed new laws to support environmentalism by banning single-use plastics and expanding public parks.”
“While early environmentalism focused primarily on preserving wilderness areas, modern movements often address the systemic causes of climate change and industrial pollution through legislative reform.”
Examples
simple
“Environmentalism is becoming a major focus for many young voters.”
contextual
“The city council passed new laws to support environmentalism by banning single-use plastics and expanding public parks.”
complex
“While early environmentalism focused primarily on preserving wilderness areas, modern movements often address the systemic causes of climate change and industrial pollution through legislative reform.”
Real-World Examples
“Some felt ostracized by family and peers who considered sustainable farming and environmentalism itself to be anti-farmer and anti-rural.” “But there is a problem: While meal kits may be convenient, their near-brazen antienvironmentalism should make your stomach ache.” Etymology
From environmental + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/environmentalism