gangster
0 antonyms and opposites of gangster, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A member of an organized criminal gang.
Etymology
From gang + -ster, first recorded in the 1880s.
Full origin of gangster →Frequently asked questions
What does “gangster” mean?
The word “gangster” means a member of an organized criminal gang. In plain terms, a criminal belonging to an organized gang, or (as slang) something impressively bold or "cool".
How do you pronounce “gangster”?
“Gangster” is pronounced GANG-stuh (/ˈɡæŋ.stəː/ in IPA).
How do you use “gangster” in a sentence?
Here is “gangster” used in a sentence: “The film is a classic story about a small-time gangster rising to power.”
What part of speech is “gangster”?
Depending on how it is used, “gangster” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “gangster” come from?
The word “gangster” dates back to around 1880. From gang + -ster, first recorded in the 1880s.
Is “gangster” a common word?
“Gangster” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “gangster” have?
“Gangster” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a member of an organized criminal gang.
What is the difference between a gangster and a criminal?
A gangster specifically refers to a member of an organized criminal gang, implying structure and group affiliation, while a criminal is a broader term for anyone who commits a crime, whether alone or as part of a group.
What does it mean when someone is described informally as gangster?
Used informally as an adjective, gangster can describe something or someone as tough, admirable, or impressively bold in a criminal-cool sense, often as slang praise rather than a literal claim of criminal activity.
Is gangster used the same way in formal and informal contexts?
No, as a noun gangster is used in formal, neutral contexts to describe organized crime membership, while its adjective use is informal slang expressing admiration for boldness or style.