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• solidarity
  solidarity

  noun

  union or fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests, as between members of a group or between classes, peoples, etc..
• Solidarity
  Solidarity

  noun

  a Polish organization of independent trade unions founded in 1980: outlawed by the government of Poland in 1982.

solidarity

¹ American  

[sol-i-dar-i-tee] / ˌsɒl ɪˈdær ɪ ti /

noun

plural

solidarities

1. union or fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests, as between members of a group or between classes, peoples, etc..

   to promote solidarity among union members.

   Synonyms:

   community, cooperation, unity

2. community of feelings, purposes, etc.

   Synonyms:

   unanimity

3. community of responsibilities and interests.

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Solidarity ² American  

[sol-i-dar-i-tee] / ˌsɒl ɪˈdær ɪ ti /

noun

1. a Polish organization of independent trade unions founded in 1980: outlawed by the government of Poland in 1982.

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solidarity ¹ British  

/ ˌsɒlɪˈdærɪtɪ /

noun

1. unity of interests, sympathies, etc, as among members of the same class

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Solidarity ² British  

/ ˌsɒlɪˈdærɪtɪ /

noun

1. the organization of free trade unions in Poland: recognized in 1980; outlawed in 1982; legalized and led the new noncommunist government in 1989

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Solidarity Cultural  

1. A labor union in Poland, independent of the government and of the Polish Communist party, that grew to a membership of several million in the early 1980s. Led by Lech Walesa, Solidarity pushed for many reforms and played a major part in the ouster of communism in Poland and its replacement by a multiparty, democratic government. The movement's influence began to decline in the 1990s.

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Other Word Forms

• nonsolidarity
  noun
• unsolidarity
  noun

Etymology

Origin of solidarity

First recorded in 1840–50; from French solidarité, equivalent to solidaire solidary + -ité -ity

Explanation

When you see a group of citizens protesting something on the news, marching in a group, holding signs, and chanting slogans, you know they are in solidarity with each other, or united behind a common goal or purpose. Any time you express support of a group or the people in it, you're showing solidarity with them. The word is used most often to describe a sense of unity with a political group, a group of striking workers, or people who have been deprived of their rights in some way. You might show your own solidarity by signing a petition, joining in a protest, or simply flashing a thumbs up.

Example Sentences

This essay is adapted from the author's book "Song for a Hard-Hit People: A Memoir of Antiracist Solidarity from a Coal Miner's Daughter," published by Haymarket Books.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

“Having the leadership to be able to articulate that message to her administrators is a great thing. Solidarity is a great thing, but we now have unity.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan and John Paul II developed a coordinated strategy focused on fighting Soviet expansion, undermining communism in Eastern Europe, supporting the Solidarity movement in Poland and promoting human rights.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

The theme of International Women's Day this year was 'Strength in Solidarity'.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

“We actually went to high school together. West Oakland High, too. Solidarity is important,” Teresa said.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

Related Words

• agreement
• consensus
• harmony
• support
• teamwork
• unanimity
• unification