Social Issues: English Vocabulary List

the inability to stop using or doing something, particularly something harmful or unhealthy

"Addiction is serious."

"His addiction to video games became so severe that he stopped attending classes and failed his exams."

knowledge or understanding of a specific situation, fact, or issue

"The campaign raised awareness about climate change."

"The charity campaign raised awareness about hunger by organizing food drives in local neighborhoods."

a type of behavior that involves using violence or threats to scare or hurt smaller or less powerful people

"Bullying must stop."

"The school implemented a strict policy against bullying to protect students from physical and emotional harm."

the state of having the same opportunities, rights, status, etc. as others

"We fight for equality."

"Equality means people should have the same rights and chances."

the right to act, say, or think as one desires without being stopped, controlled, or restricted

"Freedom is precious."

"Freedom of speech allows citizens to express their opinions without fear of government punishment or censorship."

the differences between men and women's rights, opportunities, and treatment in society

"The gender gap remains large."

"The gender gap in salaries remains a serious problem in many industries around the world."

the fact or condition of not having a home

"Homelessness is increasing."

"The city built several new shelters to address the growing homelessness problem among veterans and families."

the fact or process of coming to another country to permanently live there

"Immigration changes many people's lives."

"The government is reviewing its policies on immigration and border control."

a condition in which a person does not have enough food or good food to eat in order to stay healthy

"Malnutrition is dangerous."

"Malnutrition affects growth and weakens the immune system."

the condition of having such a high amount of body fat that it becomes very dangerous for one's health

"Obesity increases the risk of heart disease."

"Obesity is a serious health problem that increases the risk of heart disease diabetes and high blood pressure."

a situation where the number of people living in a particular area is more than the capacity of the environment to support them

"Overpopulation strains resources."

"Overpopulation in major cities leads to serious environmental problems."

a strong feeling to seek approval from people of one's age by doing what they do or by behaving like them

"Peer pressure can be strong."

"Teenagers often face intense peer pressure to try risky behaviors like smoking or drinking alcohol."

the condition of lacking enough money or income to afford basic needs like food, clothing, etc.

"Poverty is widespread."

"The poverty rate in the region decreased significantly after the government introduced new social programs and job training initiatives."

the belief or behavior that one sex is less important, capable, or valuable than the other

"Sexism is wrong."

"The organization is committed to combating sexism in the workplace and promoting equal opportunities for all employees."

a lack of something needed, such as supplies, resources, or people

"There is a shortage."

"The water shortage during the dry season forced the town to limit how much water each household could use daily."

a situation in which people are forced work against their will through threats or violence that prevents them from escaping

"Modern slavery still exists."

"Modern slavery includes forced labor and exploitation."

the unjust and unequal distribution of wealth and opportunities in a society, often based on factors such as race, gender, ethnicity, etc.

"Social inequality is a problem."

"Social inequality often leads to tensions between different economic classes in a society."

services or activities that are intended to help people with financial or family problems, provided by the government

"Social service helps families in crisis."

"The social service department helps families in need with housing assistance food stamps and medical care."

to show disagreement by taking action or expressing it verbally, particularly in public

"The students plan to protest tomorrow."

"The students decided to protest against the university's decision to increase tuition fees for the third consecutive year."

a situation in which highly intelligent or skilled people of a country move to another country so that they can live a better life

"Brain drain hurts poor countries."

"Brain drain refers to the emigration of highly educated professionals from a developing nation"

lacking sophistication, worldly experience, or social refinement

"He is ignorant of the facts."

"He was ignorant of the basic safety rules and that lack of knowledge nearly caused a serious accident in the laboratory yesterday afternoon."

related to society and the lives of its citizens in general

"It is social news."

"The government introduced new policies to address pressing social issues."

related to or based on a person's race, ethnicity, or ancestry

"Racial equality is important."

"Racial discrimination is illegal in many countries and is considered a serious crime by law."

according to the principles of justice or ethics

"That is right."

"It is imperative that we always strive to do the right thing."

against the law or morality

"That is wrong."

"Stealing from others is fundamentally wrong and unacceptable behavior."

improper, harmful, or excessive use of something

"Abuse is harmful."

"The police were called to investigate the abuse of a child by his own parents."

illegal and dishonest behavior of someone, particularly one who is in a position of power

"Corruption hurts society."

"The politician was arrested for corruption after accepting bribes from a construction company."

a period of serious difficulty or danger that requires immediate action

"The crisis is serious."

"The economic crisis left millions of people unemployed and struggling to pay for basic needs like food."

problems or difficulties that arise, especially in relation to a service or facility, which require resolution or attention

"This is an issue."

"The company is working to resolve the technical issue that has been preventing customers from accessing their online accounts."

harmful or unfair actions, words, or thoughts directed at people of different races, often based on the idea that one’s own race is more intelligent, moral, or worthy

"Racism is harmful."

"Racism damages communities and prevents fair treatment."

the state of being protected or having protection against any types of danger

"We need security."

"The government is committed to ensuring the security of its citizens."

the quality of being fixed or steady and unlikely to change

"Stability is important."

"Political stability attracts foreign investment and helps the economy grow steadily over many years."

efforts, policies, or procedures designed to promote the basic well-being of people, often by providing services or protections

"Think of welfare."

"The organization works tirelessly to improve the welfare of underprivileged children."

a competitive or aggressive situation between people, groups, companies, etc.

"The war of words began."

"The corporate war between the two tech giants resulted in significant market disruption."

any illegal substance that people take in order to experience its mental or physical effects

"He took the drug."

"Possession of illegal drugs carries severe penalties and can ruin a person's future."

harmful effects caused by an action, event, or situation

"The storm caused damage."

"The prolonged drought caused extensive damage to agricultural crops and the local economy."

unaware or uninformed because of a lack of relevant knowledge

"He was ignorant of facts."

"Despite his intelligence, he remained ignorant of the complex political situation unfolding around him."