collectivism

1 of 3

noun (1)

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

collectivist

2 of 3

noun (2)

col·​lec·​tiv·​ist kə-ˈlek-ti-vist 

plural -s

1

: an advocate or adherent of collectivism

2

: a member of a collective or collectivity

collectivist

3 of 3

adjective

col·​lec·​tiv·​ist kə-ˈlek-ti-vist 

variants or less commonly collectivistic

kə-¦lek-ti-¦vi-stik 

1

: favoring collectivism : based on the principles of collectivism

2

: relating to or having the characteristics of collectivism

collectivistically adverb

In strongly collectivistically-oriented societies, individual freedom tends to be rather low.

—Karl Erik Rosengren, Communication: An Introduction, 2000

Choose the Right Synonym for collectivism

socialist, communist: collectivist is likely to apply to a person approving or desiring greater control or outright ownership of major industries and resources by the state, presumably in the interests of a degree of economic equality among the whole people, this control or ownership to be achieved gradually and without violence but with some restriction on individual action.

socialist is a close synonym for collectivist in this sense, but is likely to evoke more of an emotional reaction than +communist" class="mw_t_sc">collectivist.

communist is likely to suggest one desiring more rigid and far-reaching control, often control achieved by force.

The words socialist and communist are naturally affected in their connotations by whatever particular Socialist or Communist Party or Socialism or Communism happens to be prominent in world affairs at the moment.

In matters historical or philosophical, the two words, especially the latter, may be used without praise or stigma to refer to persons favoring or accepting conditions in which the wishes and activities of the individual are checked and guided by the interests of the group, as in Plato's ideal republic, in ancient Sparta, or in some of the earliest Christian communities.

Examples of collectivism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

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

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

French collectiviste, from collectivisme + -iste -ist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for collectivism

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