illiberal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illiberal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe attitudes, policies, or actions that are not liberal or that restrict individual freedoms and rights. Example: "The government's illiberal policies have sparked widespread protests among citizens who value their democratic freedoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In fact, technocracy and populism reinforce each other: liberal elites become ever more distrustful of democracy; illiberal people seek to defy them.

The Guardian - Opinion

So the Liberals propose illiberal policies, Labour targets the poor and the Tories impose bureaucratic and statist solutions.

The Guardian - Opinion

To be sure, individuals can always go to the European court of human rights – but this takes time, and, in any case, the court does not pronounce on the illiberal direction a country as a whole might be taking.

The Guardian - Opinion

To the delight of his audience he said that Labour had "cowered" before media barons and had been guilty of illiberal populism on civil liberties.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in practice the 17 euro countries – many of which are economically illiberal – will discuss market rules among themselves and caucus.

The Guardian

It may be illiberal, authoritarian even, but it works, at least for a while.

The Guardian

"Hungary is not an illiberal democracy yet," said Szelényi.

The Guardian

Under the increasingly authoritarian rule of prime minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary risks becoming the black sheep of the EU because of its record on human rights, media freedom, and Orbán's drive to create what he calls an "illiberal" society.

The Guardian

Jackie Ashley is a Guardian columnist and political interviewer Supine in the face of media moguls and bankers and illiberal populists: Nick Clegg's assessment of the worst traits of the former Labour government was prescient.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet the internet issue could nevertheless be a turning point because the net is seen as the last platform for dissent, accurate reporting, and opposition to what Mr Orbán himself has described as his project to create an "illiberal state".

The Guardian - Opinion

So, this package is deeply illiberal and departs from shared European understandings of democracy, which should involve a legitimate opposition – in contrast to a "democracy" where one party, whether in or out of power, claims permanently to speak for the nation as a whole.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "illiberal", ensure that the context clearly indicates which liberal principles are being violated or undermined. This helps to avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "illiberal" as a generic term of disapproval. Instead, specify the particular aspects of a policy or action that are "illiberal", such as restrictions on free speech or disregard for due process. This provides a more precise and impactful critique.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "illiberal" primarily functions as a descriptive term, characterizing something as opposed to or restrictive of liberal values, principles, or systems. As seen in Ludwig examples, it modifies nouns like "policies", "state", and "democracy". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "illiberal" serves to describe something opposed to liberal values, primarily within political and social commentary. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its frequent use in news sources like The Guardian and The Economist indicates a neutral register, suitable for formal discussions. While "illiberal" is a powerful term, it should be used precisely, specifying the aspects of a policy or action that contradict liberal principles to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "authoritarian" and "restrictive", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Authoritarian

Focuses more directly on the enforcement of strict obedience to authority, often at the expense of personal freedom.

Restrictive

Highlights the limiting nature of policies or practices, emphasizing constraints on freedom or access.

Oppressive

Emphasizes the burden and unjust treatment imposed by a power or system.

Antidemocratic

Directly opposes democratic principles and processes.

Intolerant

Stresses the unwillingness to accept differing views or beliefs.

Autocratic

Implies rule by a single person with unlimited power.

Despotic

Suggests a cruel and oppressive form of absolute power.

Reactionary

Indicates opposition to progress or reform, often seeking a return to previous conditions.

Conservative

Implies a preference for traditional values and resistance to change, though not necessarily authoritarianism.

Dogmatic

Highlights the rigid adherence to beliefs without considering alternative perspectives.

FAQs

How can I use "illiberal" in a sentence?

You can use "illiberal" to describe policies or practices that are against liberal principles. For example, "The government's "illiberal policies" sparked widespread protests."

What are some synonyms for "illiberal"?

Alternatives to "illiberal" include "authoritarian", "restrictive", and "antidemocratic". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "illiberal" and "conservative"?

"Illiberal" specifically refers to actions or policies that undermine liberal democratic values, while "conservative" generally implies a preference for tradition and resistance to change. A conservative policy is not necessarily "illiberal".

In what contexts is "illiberal" most commonly used?

"Illiberal" is frequently used in political and social commentary to critique policies or actions that are seen as undermining individual freedoms or democratic principles. It often appears in "news and media".