Word
sexism
Phoneticssex·ism
US/ˈsɛksɪzəm/
UK/sˈɛksɪzəm/
Definitions
01unfair treatment
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. unfair treatment or discrimination against someone because of their sex, especially against women.
n. prejudice or discrimination based on a person's sex or gender, typically against women and girls. Uncountable in its general sense, though specific instances may be countable.
“She faced sexism at work when her boss only promoted the men in the office.”
“The report highlighted systemic sexism within the industry, noting that female candidates were consistently overlooked for leadership roles despite having superior qualifications.”
Synonyms
02the belief in superiority
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the belief that one sex is naturally better or more important than the other.
n. the ideological belief that members of one sex are inherently superior or should adhere to specific stereotypical roles.
“The old laws were based on sexism and the idea that women should stay home.”
“The author argues that deep-seated sexism continues to influence how society views domestic labour and childcare responsibilities.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From sex + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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 C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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