lumpenproletariat
[ luhm-puh n-proh-li-tair-ee-uh t ]
/ ˈlʌm pənˌproʊ lɪˈtɛər i ət /
noun (sometimes initial capital letter) (esp. in Marxist theory)
the lowest level of the proletariat comprising unskilled workers, vagrants, and criminals and characterized by a lack of class identification and solidarity.
Origin of lumpenproletariat
1920–25; < German (Marx, 1850), equivalent to
Lumpen rag or
Lumpen-, combining form of
Lump ragamuffin +
Proletariat
proletariat
Words nearby lumpenproletariat
lump of sugar,
lump sum,
lumpectomy,
lumpen,
lumpenprole,
lumpenproletariat,
lumper,
lumpfish,
lumpish,
lumpsucker,
lumpy
British Dictionary definitions for lumpenproletariat
lumpenproletariat
/ (ˌlʌmpənˌprəʊlɪˈtɛərɪət) /
noun
(esp in Marxist theory) the amorphous urban social group below the proletariat, consisting of criminals, tramps, etc
Word Origin for lumpenproletariat
German, literally: ragged proletariat