societal

American  

[suh-sahy-i-tl] / səˈsaɪ ɪ tl /

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to large social groups, or to their activities, customs, etc.

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societal British  

/ səˈsaɪətəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to society, esp human society or social relations

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Other Word Forms

• antisocietal adjective
• antisocietally adverb
• intersocietal adjective
• nonsocietal adjective
• societally adverb

Etymology

Origin of societal

First recorded in 1895–1900; societ(y) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Surviving societal, technological and bureaucratic shifts, it’s become the little park that could, its durability a statement of defiance in our fast-paced, divisive world.

From Los Angeles Times

In my rare visits to modern art museums, I mumble: “This piece represents an indictment of societal norms.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“They change the society through education, but fail to adapt themselves to societal change.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Barnsley says choosing proactively to be a solo mum can come with additional emotional, societal and practical challenges.

From BBC

When Ben smashes a television set, perhaps Roberts is even making some sort of societal point.

From Los Angeles Times