working class

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Definition:

The term "working class" refers to a group of people in society who typically have jobs that involve manual labor or work for wages. This group often includes factory workers, construction workers, and service workers, among others. They usually earn a set salary or hourly wage and may not have jobs that require a college degree.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "working class" when discussing social groups, economics, or labor issues.
• It is usually used in discussions about social status, income, and job types.

Example:

• "Many members of the working class struggle to make ends meet due to low wages."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, you might explore topics like: - The impact of policies on the working class. - Differences in living conditions between the working class and the upper class. - Social movements that aim to support the rights of the working class.

Word Variants:

• Working-class (adjective): Used to describe something related to the working class.
  • Example: "He comes from a working-class family."

Different Meanings:

• The term can also refer broadly to anyone who works for a living, but it is most commonly associated with those in lower-paying jobs.

Synonyms:

• Labor class
• Blue-collar workers
• Wage earners

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Make ends meet": To manage one's finances so that one can pay for basic needs.

  • Example: "It's hard to make ends meet on a working-class salary."

• "Burning the candle at both ends": To work excessively hard, often at the expense of one's health.

  • Example: "Many people in the working class find themselves burning the candle at both ends just to survive."

Summary:

The working class is an important part of society that includes individuals who perform manual labor and earn wages.

Academic

Noun

1. a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
   • there is a shortage of skilled labor in this field

Synonyms

• labor
• labour
• proletariat