collectivism

noun

col·​lec·​tiv·​ism kə-ˈlek-ti-ˌvi-zəm 

1

: a political or economic theory advocating collective control especially over production and distribution

also : a system marked by such control

2

: emphasis on collective rather than individual action or identity

collectivist

kə-ˈlek-ti-vist 

adjective or noun

collectivistic

kə-ˌlek-ti-ˈvi-stik 

adjective

collectivistically

kə-ˌlek-ti-ˈvi-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of collectivism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pay attention to how fast Democratic Socialists of America candidates spouting collectivism are making headway. —Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026

The packet that Bruce assembled for the Social Security competition stressed that government support shored up the traditional family the way that pioneering families had helped one another; the effect was to associate the new policy with the American frontier, rather than radical collectivism. —Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026

Continue reading … ERIC PATTERSON – Evils of collectivism are just warming up. —FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Socialists keep dreaming of collectivism as New Yorkers suffer from unserious housing policy. —Editorial Board, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French collectivisme, from collectif collective entry 1 + -isme -ism

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for collectivism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism