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

“While capitalism has been a key underlying driving force, it is pragmatism, rather than ideology, that have driven continued success over time,” the Deutsche Bank analysts wrote in their June 24 report.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 28, 2026

That, plus his aversion to economic ideology, helped craft a reputation for the Fed as an independent, technocratic institution laboring to do a good job for the American people.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

But the growing army of critics among his own MPs felt that he lacked a clear ideology and was, simply, not very good at politics.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

Here’s a toy firmly aligned with my wife’s minimalist ideology.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026

The official ideology abounds with contradictions even where there is no practical reason for them.

From "1984" by George Orwell

Related Words

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