illiberal

[ih-lib-er-uhl, ih-lib-ruhl]

adjective

1. narrowminded; bigoted.

   Synonyms: small-minded, hidebound, intolerant, biased

2. Archaic.

   1. not generous in giving; miserly; stingy.

   2. Chiefly Literary.,  without culture or refinement; unscholarly; vulgar.

illiberal

/ ɪˈlɪbərəl /

adjective

1. narrow-minded; prejudiced; bigoted; intolerant

2. not generous; mean

3. lacking in culture or refinement

Other Word Forms

• illiberality noun
• illiberalness noun
• illiberalism noun
• illiberally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of illiberal¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin illīberālis “ignoble, mean”; il- ², liberal

Example Sentences

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has assiduously attacked a liberal world view for at least two decades, transforming the country into what he has variously called an "illiberal democracy" and nation of "Christian liberty".

From BBC

Sir Keir's plan runs the risk of being neither fish nor fowl: too unambitious to win back Reform voters; but illiberal enough to alienate some on the left.

From BBC

Hundreds gathered outside parliament to protest against the move, which rights campaigners have labelled a "key moment in Hungary's shift toward illiberal governance".

From BBC

In societies that are under siege from fascist and other such authoritarian, illiberal, and antidemocratic forces, be it from within or without, there is a temptation to surrender in advance.

From Salon

But Kickl has also aligned his party closely with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the self-styled champion of "illiberal democracy", and shared a more conciliatory tone when it comes to Russia.

From BBC