English Reference

Word

environmentalist

Phoneticsen·vi·ron·men·tal·ist, stress on the fourth syllable

US/ɪnˌvaɪɹənˈmɛnəɫɪst/

UK/ɛnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəlˌɪst/

Ecology

Definition

n. a person who is very concerned about protecting the natural world and stopping pollution. They often work to make sure that nature is not harmed by human activities.

n. a person who advocates for the protection of the natural environment and the prevention of pollution. Often associated with political activism or scientific research regarding ecological sustainability.

Examples

“The environmentalist spoke at the local town hall meeting.”

“As an environmentalist, she spends her weekends cleaning up the local beach to protect the marine life.”

“The environmentalist argued that the proposed highway would irreversibly damage the fragile wetlands, leading to a significant loss of biodiversity in the region.”

Examples

simple

“The environmentalist spoke at the local town hall meeting.”

contextual

“As an environmentalist, she spends her weekends cleaning up the local beach to protect the marine life.”

complex

“The environmentalist argued that the proposed highway would irreversibly damage the fragile wetlands, leading to a significant loss of biodiversity in the region.”

Real-World Examples

“Environmentalists have heavily criticised the exploratory drilling in the sea off the mouth of the Amazon.”
BBC News 18 Aug 2026
“The project has already led to legal challenges and pushback from the opposition Congress party and environmentalists.”
The Guardian 25 Aug 2026

Etymology

From environmental + -ist.

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

Word family

NOUN

environmentalist(B2)

Domain

Ecology

This entry

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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English Reference