What does leftist mean?
Leftist is a political term used as both an adjective and a countable noun. As an adjective, it describes a person, party, policy, or idea associated with the political left: a range of positions that generally favor greater social equality, redistributive economic policies, and change in established political or social structures. As a noun, a leftist is someone who holds such political views or supports the political left. The term is especially common in US English, though “left-wing” is widely used in both British and American English. Leftist can be neutral when it simply identifies a political orientation, but depending on the speaker and context it may sound dismissive or reductionist, much as “rightist” can. It is also often used alongside or interchangeably with “liberal” and “progressive,” although those labels do not always represent identical positions. Leftist is therefore useful when naming an explicit political alignment, while more precise wording may be preferable when discussing a particular issue.
Belonging to, favoring, or associated with the political left.
"The newspaper described the proposed policy as a leftist attempt to redistribute economic power."
Often used before a noun, such as “leftist party,” but it can also follow a linking verb when describing someone's political position.
A person who supports the political left or is associated with left-wing politics.
"The interview presented a former labor organizer as a prominent leftist."
A countable noun; its standard plural is “leftists.” Depending on context, the term can be descriptive or dismissive.
The standard plural of the noun is “leftists.”
"Several leftists challenged the party's new leadership."
The word arrived in the early twentieth century, when “left” had already become shorthand for an entire political camp.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leftist come from?
Leftist was formed in English from “left” and the productive suffix “-ist,” emerging in the early twentieth century as a political label. Its meaning relies on the older metaphor of the political left, the side regarded as politically progressive. “Left” itself comes from Old English and originally denoted the side opposite the right, while related English forms include “lefty,” “leftish,” and “leftism.”
Related word forms
How leftist is actually used
The term is more common in American English; in British English, “left-wing” is often preferred. It can be neutral when identifying a political orientation, but its use by critics may sound dismissive or reductive. It is not always precisely equivalent to “liberal” or “progressive,” since those terms can describe different positions on particular issues.
Easily confused with leftist
Lefty is an informal alternative for a person or position associated with the political left, whereas leftist is the more standard and neutral political label.