Word
tribalism
Phoneticstrib·al·ism
US/ˈtɹaɪbəɫɪzəm/
UK/tɹˈaɪbəlˌɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. strong loyalty to your own group that makes you distrust or dislike people outside it. You see it in politics, sports, and workplaces when group pride turns into conflict.
n. loyalty to one's own social, political, or ethnic group that produces exclusion or hostility toward outsiders. Often used to describe polarized group behaviour in politics, sport, and organizational life.
Examples
“Tribalism makes fans fight instead of enjoying the game.”
“Tribalism shapes office politics when teams defend their own ideas and reject helpful suggestions from other departments.”
“Commentators argue that digital platforms amplify tribalism by rewarding outrage, so nuanced debate gives way to loyalty tests within closed communities.”
Examples
simple
“Tribalism makes fans fight instead of enjoying the game.”
contextual
“Tribalism shapes office politics when teams defend their own ideas and reject helpful suggestions from other departments.”
complex
“Commentators argue that digital platforms amplify tribalism by rewarding outrage, so nuanced debate gives way to loyalty tests within closed communities.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “tribalism” in context.
Verb
01. exploit tribalism
“Populist leaders often exploit tribalism to secure a loyal voting base.”
verb + noun
02. fuel tribalism
“Social media algorithms can fuel tribalism by creating ideological echo chambers.”
verb + noun
03. overcome tribalism
“Community projects are essential to help citizens overcome tribalism and work together.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. entrenched tribalism
“It is difficult to implement democratic reforms in a society with entrenched tribalism.”
adj + noun
05. fierce tribalism
“The election was marred by fierce tribalism that divided the nation along ethnic lines.”
adj + noun
06. narrow tribalism
“The author warns against a narrow tribalism that rejects any outside influence.”
adj + noun
07. partisan tribalism
“Partisan tribalism in the capital has led to a complete breakdown in legislative cooperation.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. descent into tribalism
“Commentators feared a rapid descent into tribalism following the collapse of the government.”
noun + prep + noun
09. retreat into tribalism
“In times of economic crisis, people often retreat into tribalism for a sense of security.”
verb + prep + noun
10. a resurgence of tribalism
“The global political landscape has seen a worrying resurgence of tribalism in recent years.”
11. appeal to tribalism
“The candidate's speech was a blatant appeal to tribalism rather than a policy proposal.”
12. blinded by tribalism
“Both sides were so blinded by tribalism that they could not see the obvious compromise.”
Real-World Examples
“Football is so often defined by tribalism, fuelled by fury, disdain and a desperation to win at all costs.” “As Britain's traditional industries declined throughout the 1970s and early 80s and the old certainties of life and politics started to splinter, so did the music scene - prompting an era of unprecedented tribalism in youth culture.” “When Muammar Gaddafi seized power in 1969 he pledged to eliminate tribalism and unite Libya.” “The commission argued that viewing sectarianism as "Protestant-Catholic religious prejudice, political factionalism, or even 'tribalism' " placed it outside the context of well-established international human rights law, specifically the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which came into force back in 1969.” - 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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