ideology

American  

[ahy-dee-ol-uh-jee, id-ee-] / ˌaɪ diˈɒl ə dʒi, ˌɪd i- /

noun

ideologies plural

1. the body of doctrine, myth, belief, etc., that guides an individual, social movement, institution, class, or large group.

2. such a body of doctrine, myth, etc., with reference to some political and social plan, as that of fascism, along with the devices for putting it into operation.

3. Philosophy.

   1. the study of the nature and origin of ideas.

   2. a system that derives ideas exclusively from sensation.

4. theorizing of a visionary or impractical nature.

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ideology British  

/ ˌaɪdɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌaɪdɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. a body of ideas that reflects the beliefs and interests of a nation, political system, etc and underlies political action

2. philosophy sociol the set of beliefs by which a group or society orders reality so as to render it intelligible

3. speculation that is imaginary or visionary

4. the study of the nature and origin of ideas

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ideology Cultural  

1. A system of beliefs or theories, usually political, held by an individual or a group. Capitalism, communism, and socialism are usually called ideologies.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• ideological
  adjective
• ideologically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• ideologies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of ideology

First recorded in 1790–1800; ideo- + -logy

Explanation

An ideology is a set of opinions or beliefs of a group or an individual. Very often ideology refers to a set of political beliefs or a set of ideas that characterize a particular culture. Capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism are ideologies. But not all -ism words are. Think: cronyism (a system of graft whereby friends unfairly help each other make money.) Our English noun is from French idéologie. The suffix –logy, used with many English words describing theories or doctrines, is from Greek logos "word, reason, speech, account."

Example Sentences

“The goal is to not merely convey a specific message or ideology but to create a testament to a generation and the era in which we live.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026

The cause wasn’t ideology but arithmetic: The old bargain of household specialization—one spouse in the market, one in the home, concentrating where they were most productive—became unaffordable as women’s earnings rose.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

But ideology and a total lack of trust make it a distant pipe dream.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

Topics of change and adapting to challenges featured on this year's gaokao exams, which often touch upon ideology and societal issues.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

Her problem, she said, had to do with certain aspects of our ideology.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Related Words

• creed
• culture
• dogma
• outlook
• philosophy
• theory
• view