proletariat
Proletariat (noun) means the working class as a whole, especially wage earners without capital of their own. Example: “The book examines the rise of the industrial proletariat in 19th-century Europe.”
How to use proletariat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe working class, especially as a group with shared economic interests.
Strongly associated with Marxist political theory and academic or historical writing.
Word forms
proletariats plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The book examines the rise of the industrial _____ in 19th-century Europe.
Etymology
From French prolétariat, from Latin proletarius, "citizen of the lowest class."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for proletariat
See all rhymes for proletariat →Frequently asked questions
What does “proletariat” mean?
The word “proletariat” means the working class as a whole, especially wage earners without capital of their own. In plain terms, the working class, especially as a group with shared economic interests.
How do you pronounce “proletariat”?
“Proletariat” is pronounced proh-lih-TEH-uh-rih-uht (/ˌpɹoʊ.lɪˈtɛɚ.i.ət/ in IPA).
How do you use “proletariat” in a sentence?
Here is “proletariat” used in a sentence: “The book examines the rise of the industrial proletariat in 19th-century Europe.”
What part of speech is “proletariat”?
“Proletariat” is a noun.
Where does the word “proletariat” come from?
The word “proletariat” comes from Latin. From French prolétariat, from Latin proletarius, "citizen of the lowest class.".
Is “proletariat” a common word?
“Proletariat” is an uncommon word in modern English.