noun
eugenics
yoo-JEH-nihks
Eugenics (noun) means a discredited social philosophy that sought to \"improve\" the human population through selective breeding or by restricting who could reproduce. Example: “Eugenics was used to justify some of history's worst human rights abuses.”
noun
1
A discredited social philosophy that sought to \"improve\" the human population through selective breeding or by restricting who could reproduce.
"Eugenics was used to justify some of history's worst human rights abuses."
How to use eugenics
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA now widely condemned movement that tried to control human reproduction to shape the population's genetics.
When to use it
A historically loaded term, strongly associated with discrimination and human rights abuses.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like eugenics.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ was used to justify some of history's worst human rights abuses.
Etymology
Coined in 1883 by Francis Galton from Greek roots meaning roughly \"well-born\" or \"good in stock.\"
Class of 1883
eugenics joined the language around 1883.
See the full Class of 1883 →
Antonyms
dysgenics
Rhymes for eugenics
See all rhymes for eugenics →Frequently asked questions
What does “eugenics” mean?
The word “eugenics” means a discredited social philosophy that sought to \"improve\" the human population through selective breeding or by restricting who could reproduce. In plain terms, a now widely condemned movement that tried to control human reproduction to shape the population's genetics.
How do you pronounce “eugenics”?
“Eugenics” is pronounced yoo-JEH-nihks (/juːˈd͡ʒɛnɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “eugenics” in a sentence?
Here is “eugenics” used in a sentence: “Eugenics was used to justify some of history's worst human rights abuses.”
What part of speech is “eugenics”?
“Eugenics” is a noun.
Where does the word “eugenics” come from?
The word “eugenics” dates back to around 1883 and comes from Greek. Coined in 1883 by Francis Galton from Greek roots meaning roughly \"well-born\" or \"good in stock.\".
