# liberalism

/ˈɫɪˌbɝəˌɫɪzəm/ (US) · /lˈɪbəɹəlˌɪzəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/liberalism
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. political philosophy

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

a political system that protects individual rights, freedom of speech, and the rule of law.

For teachers: A political doctrine that prioritises the autonomy of the individual, advocating for civil liberties, democratic governance, and social reform.

- The country's transition to liberalism led to more freedom for the press and fairer elections.
- Modern liberalism often seeks to balance the protection of individual rights with the state's role in addressing social and economic inequalities.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the general philosophy; countable when referring to specific historical movements.

### 2. economic ideology

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

an economic theory that supports free markets and very little government control over business.

For teachers: An economic theory supporting laissez-faire policies, private property rights, and the removal of trade barriers.

- The government adopted economic liberalism by reducing taxes and opening the borders to trade.
- Critics of classical liberalism argue that unregulated markets can lead to monopolies and the exploitation of vulnerable workers.

Teaching tip: In American English, 'liberalism' often refers to left-leaning social policies, whereas in Europe, it frequently refers to right-leaning economic policies.

### 3. international relations

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

a way of looking at world politics that focuses on countries working together through trade and laws.

For teachers: A theory of international relations that emphasises the potential for global cooperation through international organisations and economic interdependence.

- Liberalism suggests that countries that trade with each other are less likely to go to war.
- Within the study of international relations, liberalism stands in contrast to realism by suggesting that shared values can mitigate the risk of conflict.

## Examples

- The new leader promised to return the country to the principles of liberalism.
- Classical liberalism emphasises free markets and limited government intervention, while modern versions often support stronger social safety nets.
- The tension between economic liberalism, which champions deregulation, and social liberalism, which demands state intervention to correct inequalities, remains a defining feature of contemporary Western democracies.

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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.