Proletariat

/ˌpɹəʊ.lɪˈtɛə.ɹɪ.ət/ · noun

Meaning

(often derogatory, also figuratively) The lowest class of society; also, the lower classes of society generally; the masses..

Definitions by Sense

1. (often derogatory, also figuratively) The lowest class of society; also, the lower classes of society generally; the masses.
2. (Marxism) Wage earners collectively; people who own no capital and depend on their labour for survival; the working class, especially when seen as engaged in a class struggle with the bourgeoisie (“the capital-owning class”).
3. (chiefly Ancient Rome, historical) The lowest class of citizens, who had no property and few rights, and were regarded as contributing only their offspring to the state.

Example Sentences

Of all the classes that stand face to face with the bourgeoisie to-day, the proletariat alone is a really revolutionary class. The other classes decay and finally disappear in the face of modern industry; the proletariat is its special and essential product.

Synonyms for proletariat

Antonyms for proletariat

Related Words

Word Forms

• proletariats
• proletariate

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions