noun

perestroika

per-ih-STROY-kuh

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Perestroika (noun) means the programme of political and economic reform carried out in the Soviet Union during the 1980s and early 1990s under Mikhail Gorbachev, along with the period in which it took place. Example: “Perestroika brought sweeping changes to how Soviet industry was run.”

noun

historical The programme of political and economic reform carried out in the Soviet Union during the 1980s and early 1990s under Mikhail Gorbachev, along with the period in which it took place.

"Perestroika brought sweeping changes to how Soviet industry was run."

"Historians still debate whether perestroika saved or hastened the end of the Soviet system."

"Life for ordinary Soviet citizens shifted noticeably in the years of perestroika."

How to use perestroika

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe Soviet push in the 1980s to rebuild how the country's politics and economy worked.

When to use it

This is a historical term tied to a specific period of Soviet history, not a general everyday word.

Memory tip

It is often mentioned alongside glasnost, Gorbachev's related policy of greater openness.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

glasnost →

Common pairings

the era of perestroika perestroika reforms introduce perestroika the policy of perestroika

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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”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ brought sweeping changes to how Soviet industry was run.

Etymology

The word was borrowed directly from Russian, where perestroika means restructuring.

Origin: Russian

Rhymes for perestroika

vika pika Mika Rika Erika Chika Monika Malika Annika Tamika paprika Mallika

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Frequently asked questions

What does perestroika mean?

It refers to the reform programme, and the era it defined, in which the Soviet Union restructured its political and economic system in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Who introduced perestroika?

It was introduced under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev.

What does the word perestroika literally mean in Russian?

It literally means restructuring.

What is the meaning of perestroika?

"perestroika" (noun) means the programme of political and economic reform carried out in the Soviet Union during the 1980s and early 1990s under Mikhail Gorbachev, along with the period in which it took place.