classist

American  

[klas-ist] / ˈklæs ɪst /

adjective

1. relating to, showing, or characterized by classism.

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noun

plural

classists

1. a person who shows or believes in classism.

Other Word Forms

• anti-classist
  adjective
• non-classist
  adjective

Explanation

Someone who discriminates against people because of their perceived social or economic status is classist. It would be classist of a country club to refuse to admit members who work in certain professions considered less elite. Judging others based on their level of education or the fact that they work with their hands rather than in an office is classist. Dividing people into a hierarchy of social classes, with the wealthiest, college-educated people at the top, creates a classist society that's biased against those considered "lower class." It's much more fair to evaluate everyone based on their individual character, rather than what neighborhood they live in or where they went to school.

Example Sentences

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, who is an Edinburgh MP, described the remarks as "classist and snobby".

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2025

Efforts to banish that in-group, fraternal usage have mainly failed: Those complaints have been readily dismissed as “saddity,” primly classist or schoolmarmish.

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2022

“Cinderella,” the latest of countless adaptations of the centuries-old rags-to-riches story, is far less interested in enchantment than in dismantling the entire sexist, classist racket.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 2, 2021

“Black Like Me” carries forward the country tradition of resisting classist condescension and connects it to her life experience.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2020

Through Eleanor's eyes, and those of her husband John, Nesbit shows America's classist roots run as deep as its racism, both of which contribute to the violence in early Massachusetts.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2020