adj
Uncommon
societal
suh-SEYE-ih-t
Societal (adj) means relating to society as a whole and its structures, norms, or customs. Example: “The film explores societal attitudes toward mental health.”
adj
1
Relating to society as a whole and its structures, norms, or customs.
"The film explores societal attitudes toward mental health."
"Technology has brought about huge societal changes over the last few decades."
"The report looks at the societal effects of an ageing population."
How to use societal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with society in general, as opposed to individuals.
Common pairings
societal norms
societal change
societal pressure
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more societal
- Superlative
- most societal
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The film explores _____ attitudes toward mental health.
Etymology
From society + -al.
Related words
Rhymes for societal
See all rhymes for societal →Frequently asked questions
What does “societal” mean?
The word “societal” means relating to society as a whole and its structures, norms, or customs. In plain terms, to do with society in general, as opposed to individuals.
How do you pronounce “societal”?
“Societal” is pronounced suh-SEYE-ih-t ([səˈsaɪ.ə.tɫ̩] in IPA).
How do you use “societal” in a sentence?
Here is “societal” used in a sentence: “The film explores societal attitudes toward mental health.”
What part of speech is “societal”?
“Societal” is an adjective.
Is “societal” a common word?
“Societal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "societal" and "social"?
"Societal" describes issues at the level of society as a whole, such as structures, norms, or systemic problems, while "social" more broadly covers interactions between people or groups. "Societal change" refers to shifts across an entire population, whereas "social change" can refer to smaller-scale relational shifts too.
Is "societal" a formal word?
Yes, "societal" is typically used in formal, academic, or policy contexts, such as sociology papers, journalism, or government reports discussing societal norms or societal impact.
When should you use "societal" instead of "social"?
Use "societal" when referring to society-wide structures, customs, or issues, such as "societal pressure" or "societal expectations," rather than everyday social interactions like a social gathering.
