proletariat

noun

Pronunciation: /ˌproʊləˈtɛəriət/

Definition

The class of wage-earners in a capitalist society whose only possession of significant value is their ability to work.

Examples

• Marx argued that the proletariat would eventually rise up to overthrow the ruling class.

• The industrial revolution fundamentally changed the lives of the urban proletariat.

• Political movements often claim to represent the interests of the global proletariat.

Synonyms of proletariat

Words with a similar meaning to proletariat:

• workers
• laborers
• working class
• masses

Antonyms of proletariat

Words with the opposite meaning to proletariat:

• bourgeoisie
• elite

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