# eugenics

/juˈdʒɛnɪks/ (US) · /juːdʒˈɛnɪks/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eugenics
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the study of improving human populations by controlling who has children. It is a very old and controversial idea that has been used to justify many terrible actions in history.

For teachers: the study of improving the human race by selective breeding, typically involving the encouragement of reproduction among those deemed genetically superior and the prevention of reproduction among those deemed inferior.

## Examples

- The history of eugenics is a dark chapter in science.
- Early twentieth-century eugenics policies were based on the flawed belief that certain traits could be passed down to ensure a 'better' society.
- While modern genetics has advanced significantly, the ethical implications of eugenics remain a critical point of debate regarding the limits of scientific intervention in human reproduction.

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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.