# ideology

/ˌaɪdiˈɑɫədʒi/ (US) · /ˌaɪdɪˈɒlədʒi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ideology
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. system of beliefs

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

a set of ideas and principles that a group of people or a political party believes in.

For teachers: a comprehensive set of normative beliefs, conscious and unconscious ideas, that an individual, group, or society holds.

- The two political parties have a very different ideology regarding how to spend tax money.
- The prevailing economic ideology of the late twentieth century prioritised market deregulation and the privatisation of state-owned industries.

Usage: Often used with adjectives like 'political', 'economic', or 'religious'.

## Examples

- The political party is built on a strict socialist ideology.
- The new leader promised to focus on practical solutions rather than pushing a specific political ideology that divides the country.
- Critics argue that the curriculum is less about education and more about instilling a rigid ideology, leaving students ill-equipped to engage with dissenting viewpoints.

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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.