proletariat Definition
the working class, especially those who lack capital and must sell their labor to survive.
Using proletariat: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "proletariat" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The proletariat is often exploited by the bourgeoisie.
Example
The Communist Manifesto called for the overthrow of the bourgeoisie by the proletariat.
Example
The proletariat was a key force in the Russian Revolution.
Example
The proletariat has been the subject of much Marxist theory.
proletariat Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for proletariat
- working class
- laborers
- wage earners
- blue-collar workers
- the poor
Antonyms for proletariat
Phrases with proletariat
dictatorship of the proletariat
a state in which the working class holds political power
Example
Marx believed that the dictatorship of the proletariat would be necessary to establish communism.
a social and economic revolution in which the proletariat overthrows the bourgeoisie
Example
The Bolsheviks believed that a proletarian revolution was necessary to establish socialism.
the idea that the working class should unite across national boundaries to fight for their common interests
Example
The Communist International was founded to promote proletarian internationalism.
Origins of proletariat
from French 'prolétariat', from Latin 'proletarius' meaning 'citizen of the lowest class', from 'proles' meaning 'offspring'
Summary: proletariat in Brief
The term 'proletariat' [ˌprəʊlɪˈtɛːrɪət] refers to the working class, particularly those who lack capital and must sell their labor to survive. It is often exploited by the bourgeoisie, and has been the subject of much Marxist theory, including the concept of the dictatorship of the proletariat. Other phrases include 'proletarian revolution,' and 'proletarian internationalism,' which advocate for the working class to unite across national boundaries.
