working-class
UK: ˈwɜːkɪŋ klɑːs | US: ˈwɜːrkɪŋ klæs
adj. relating to or characteristic of the social group consisting of people who are employed for wages, especially in manual or industrial work
n. the social group consisting of people who are employed for wages, especially in manual or industrial work
The term "working-class" emerged in the early 19th century during the Industrial Revolution, combining "working" (from Old English weorcian, meaning "to perform labor") and "class" (from Latin classis, originally referring to a division of Roman citizens). The hyphenated form solidified its use as a compound adjective/noun to describe the socioeconomic group reliant on manual or industrial labor. The word reflects the societal stratification of the time, emphasizing the distinction between wage-earning laborers and other social classes (e.g., middle or upper class).
The working-class neighborhood was filled with modest row houses.
She advocated for better healthcare access for the working-class.
His working-class upbringing taught him the value of hard work.
Many working-class families struggled during the economic downturn.
The film portrays the resilience of working-class communities.