classism

American  

[klas-iz-uhm] / ˈklæs ɪz əm /

noun

1. a biased or discriminatory attitude based on distinctions made between social or economic classes.

2. the viewing of society as being composed of distinct classes.

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classism British  

/ ˈklɑːsɪzəm /

noun

1. the belief that people from certain social or economic classes are superior to others

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Other Word Forms

• classist
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of classism

First recorded in 1835–45; class + -ism

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Explanation

Classism is discriminating against people because of how much money they have, their level of education, or the kind of job they do. Assuming someone is poor because they're too lazy to work is an example of classism. Classism, like racism and sexism, shows up in an individual's prejudice against poor or uneducated people but also affects government policies, company hiring, college admissions, and more. The fact that wealthy citizens have more power to influence politics than poorer people is a form of institutional classism. And if you think people who own mansions are better than those living in tiny apartments, or that a lawyer is smarter than an electrician or plumber, that's also the result of classism.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

classism

Set at a boarding school for vampires, it attempted to address classism in the species.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

"I don't think viewers are simply passive consumers. Many people watch Love Island critically and debate issues like sexism, classism and racism, so the programme both reflects and shapes contemporary dating culture."

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026

What secured the show’s passionate fandom are the scripts’ provocative considerations of classism and cultural discrimination as the most potent accelerants of any society’s downfall.

From Salon ● Dec. 7, 2025

So, at a glance, the NaNoWriMo statement seems to be coming from an inclusive place, citing that A.I. can help address classism, ableism, and general access issues.

From Slate ● Sep. 11, 2024

Mary defied her era’s Southern Belle stereotypes, rejecting racism and classism in favor of everyday advocacy for equality.

From New York Times ● Apr. 19, 2023

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