noun

counterculture

KOWN-tuh-kul-chuh

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Counterculture (noun) means a culture whose values and way of life go against those of mainstream society. Example: “The counterculture of the late 1960s rejected consumerism and conventional careers.”

noun

A culture whose values and way of life go against those of mainstream society.

"The counterculture of the late 1960s rejected consumerism and conventional careers."

"Punk grew out of a small counterculture that resented mainstream music."

"Each generation seems to produce its own counterculture pushing back against accepted norms."

How to use counterculture

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA group whose outlook and habits deliberately clash with the mainstream.

When to use it

It is a neutral, descriptive term used in everyday and academic writing alike.

Memory tip

Remember the prefix counter- means against, so the word literally points to a culture set against the dominant one.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

subculture

Common pairings

counterculture movement 1960s counterculture counterculture figure part of the counterculture

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “counterculture” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of the late 1960s rejected consumerism and conventional careers.

Etymology

Formed in English from the prefix counter-, meaning against or opposite, joined to culture. The word describes a culture that sets itself against the mainstream one.

Origin: English

Rhymes for counterculture

pure cure sure azure nature future manure secure impure injure figure allure

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Frequently asked questions

What does counterculture mean?

It refers to a culture whose values and lifestyle oppose those of the mainstream, established culture around it.

Is counterculture the same as subculture?

Not quite. A subculture is simply a smaller group within a wider culture, while a counterculture actively opposes the mainstream culture's values.

What is the most famous example of a counterculture?

The movement associated with peace, free love and anti-commercialism in the 1960s and 1970s is often cited as a classic example.

What is the meaning of counterculture?

"counterculture" (noun) means a culture whose values and way of life go against those of mainstream society.