Meaning & use
lumpen
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Meanings
adjectivebefore a noundisapprovingformal
Relating to the poorest, unorganized class of people, especially in Marxist theory.
Grammar: Used before a noun, as in 'lumpen class' or 'lumpen proletariat'.
Patterns
- lumpen proletariat
- lumpen class
The book describes the lumpen poor as a group cut off from regular work.
Some sociologists use 'lumpen' to criticize a disorganized underclass.
adjectivebefore a noundisapprovinginformal
Lacking refinement or intelligence; stupid and clumsy.
Grammar: Used before a noun, often to show disapproval of someone's behavior.
Patterns
- lumpen behavior
- lumpen attitude
His lumpen manners embarrassed everyone at the formal dinner.
She dismissed the idea as lumpen and unoriginal.
Common combinations
- lumpen proletariat
- Marx wrote about the lumpen proletariat as a class outside the main workers' movement.
- lumpen class
- The novel focuses on the lumpen class living on the edges of the city.
- lumpen poor
- The report described the lumpen poor as lacking steady jobs.
Synonyms and how they differ
- unrefined
- Unrefined is a more general word for lacking polish; lumpen is stronger and often tied to social class.
- vulgar
- Vulgar means rude or in bad taste; lumpen suggests both low class and stupidity.
Opposites
Commonly confused: lumpen or lump?
lumpen vs lump
Lump is a noun or verb meaning a solid piece or to put together; lumpen is an adjective with a different meaning.
Practice
In which sentence is 'lumpen' used correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Lumpen' is an adjective used before a noun, as in option 1. The other options use it as a noun or verb, which is incorrect.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “lumpen”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.