great society: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal (historical/political analysis), occasionally journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “great society” mean?
The name of U.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The name of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson's domestic reform program (1964–65), which aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice.
A prosperous, socially just, and well-educated society; more broadly, an idealized vision of a highly developed and equitable society.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it is understood primarily as a historical reference to U.S. policy. In American English, it has more direct historical/political resonance and is used more frequently in political discourse.
Connotations
In the U.S., it carries connotations of ambitious liberal reform, the 1960s, and the expansion of the federal government's role in social welfare. In the UK, it may be used more abstractly or critically to refer to expansive state-led social projects.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English, especially in political science, history, and journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “great society” in a Sentence
[The] Great Society (as subject of 'was', 'aimed to', 'sought to')initiatives/programs of the Great Societylegislation under the Great SocietyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great society” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government sought to Great Society its way out of poverty. (Non-standard, illustrative of potential misuse)
- Historians debate what Johnson hoped to achieve by Great Society-ing. (Non-standard, illustrative)
American English
- The administration aimed to Great Society the nation's social ills. (Non-standard, illustrative)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The Great Society agenda was enormously ambitious.
- It was a quintessential Great Society piece of legislation.
American English
- Medicare is a classic Great Society program.
- He gave a speech outlining his Great Society vision.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions on the historical role of government in the economy or corporate social responsibility.
Academic
Common in history, political science, and American studies courses to analyze 20th-century U.S. domestic policy.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used in political discussions or historical documentaries.
Technical
Specific term in U.S. historiography and political history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great society”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “great society”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great society”
- Using lower case ('great society') when referring to the specific historical program.
- Confusing it with the 'New Deal' (1930s) or conflating all U.S. social programs under this term.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a great society').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historians debate its success. It achieved major legislative victories (Civil Rights Act, Medicare, Medicaid) and reduced poverty rates initially. Critics argue some programs were ineffective or created long-term budgetary issues, while supporters highlight its role in expanding social safety nets and civil rights.
The New Deal (1930s, Franklin D. Roosevelt) was a response to the Great Depression, focusing on economic recovery, job creation, and financial reform. The Great Society (1960s, Lyndon B. Johnson) came during a period of economic prosperity and focused on social justice, civil rights, healthcare, and eliminating poverty.
Yes, when referring specifically to President Johnson's program, it is a proper noun and should be capitalized: 'the Great Society'. In a generic, uncapitalized sense ('a great society'), it simply means an excellent or admirable society.
Yes, but primarily as a historical reference point. Politicians and commentators might invoke it to praise or criticize expansive federal social programs, drawing parallels or contrasts with current policy proposals.
The name of U.
Great society is usually formal (historical/political analysis), occasionally journalistic. in register.
Great society: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt səˈsaɪəti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt səˈsaɪədi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not idiomatically used]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **GREAT** (ambitious) plan for **SOCIETY** (everyone's well-being), launched by President Johnson in the 1960s.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A PROJECT (that can be designed and built).
Practice
Quiz
In which decade was the 'Great Society' program launched in the United States?