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

Later, from the stage, both Thompson and Julia Roberts urged collectivism while recounting the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti—two 37-year-old American citizens who were both fatally shot this January by federal immigration agents. —Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026

Some skeptics argue that universal healthcare represents a form of socialized medicine, government control of the market, or even a dangerous step toward collectivism. —Wei Zhang, Mercury News, 13 June 2026

Danish-Norwegian philosopher Aksel Sandemose introduced the concept in his 1933 novel A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks, in which people in the fictional town of Jante faced societal pressure to subscribe to a collective mindset which preached modesty and collectivism. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 9 June 2026

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