Word
insurgency
Phoneticsin·sur·gen·cy, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈsɝdʒənsi/
UK/ɪnsˈɜːdʒənsi/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a violent struggle by a group of people who are trying to take control from their government. It is usually an organized fight that lasts for a long time.
n. an active revolt or uprising against a constituted government or established authority. Often involves guerrilla warfare or irregular tactics rather than conventional military engagement.
Examples
“The government is struggling to end the insurgency in the north.”
“Military leaders warned that the local insurgency was gaining strength due to a lack of economic opportunities in the region.”
“Historians often debate whether the movement should be classified as a popular revolution or a localized insurgency funded by external political actors seeking to destabilize the regime.”
Examples
simple
“The government is struggling to end the insurgency in the north.”
contextual
“Military leaders warned that the local insurgency was gaining strength due to a lack of economic opportunities in the region.”
complex
“Historians often debate whether the movement should be classified as a popular revolution or a localized insurgency funded by external political actors seeking to destabilize the regime.”
Usage
Countable when referring to a specific instance of revolt; uncountable when referring to the general state of rebellion.
Real-World Examples
“Ethiopia also continues to grapple with armed insurgencies in Oromia and Amhara, the country's two most-populous regional states.” “He still uses the pseudonym he went by for years during the insurgency, but he told us his real name is Tahir Shah Seddiqi - revealing it publicly for the first time.” Etymology
From insurgent + -cy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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