What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gangster
Example
The police arrested the notorious gangster after a long investigation. [gangster: noun]
Example
The gangster threatened to harm anyone who crossed him. [gangster: adjective]
mobster
Example
The mobster was known for his connections to the mafia and involvement in illegal activities. [mobster: noun]
Example
The mobster used his influence to control the local gambling scene. [mobster: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gangster is a more common term than mobster and is often used in everyday language to describe individuals involved in criminal activities. Mobster is less common and may be more associated with popular culture and media portrayals of organized crime.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gangster and mobster?
Both gangster and mobster are informal terms and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, mobster may have a slightly more elevated connotation due to its association with organized crime and white-collar crimes.