lumpen Definition
of or relating to dispossessed and displaced individuals, especially those who have lost their economic status.
Using lumpen: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lumpen" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The lumpen masses were left without any means of support.
Example
The lumpen proletariat is a social class that includes people who are unemployed or homeless.
Example
The lumpen elements of society are often ignored by the government.
Example
The lumpen youth were involved in the riots.
lumpen Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for lumpen
Phrases with lumpen
a term used to describe the nouveau riche, or the newly rich, who lack the cultural and social capital of the traditional bourgeoisie
Example
The lumpen bourgeoisie flaunted their wealth but lacked the refinement of the old money elite.
a term used to describe intellectuals who are disconnected from the working class and are not actively engaged in political struggles
Example
The lumpen intelligentsia was criticized for their detachment from the struggles of the masses.
a term used to describe the lowest and most degraded section of the proletariat, who have no class consciousness and are not actively engaged in political struggles
Example
The lumpenproletariat was seen as a potential source of social unrest and revolutionary activity.
Origins of lumpen
from German ' Lumpenproletariat', meaning 'rag proletariat'
Summary: lumpen in Brief
'Lumpen' [luhm-puhn] refers to individuals who have lost their economic status and are dispossessed or displaced. It is often used to describe the lowest and most degraded section of the proletariat, who lack class consciousness and are not actively engaged in political struggles. Examples include 'The lumpen masses were left without any means of support.' and 'The lumpen youth were involved in the riots.' 'Lumpen' extends into phrases like 'lumpen bourgeoisie,' denoting the nouveau riche who lack cultural and social capital.