nonunionism
|non-u-ni-on-ism|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑnˈjuːniənɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒnˈjuːniənɪzəm/
opposition to trade unions
Etymology
'nonunionism' originates from English, specifically formed from the prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non' meaning 'not'), the noun 'union' (from Latin 'unio' via Old French 'unioun' meaning 'unity' or 'oneness'), and the suffix '-ism' (from Greek '-ismos' via Latin and French) used to denote a practice, system, or ideology.
'union' changed from Old French 'unioun' (from Latin 'unio'/'unus') to Middle English 'unioun' and eventually became modern English 'union'; the modern compound 'nonunionism' developed by combining the productive English prefix 'non-' with 'union' and the noun-forming suffix '-ism'.
Initially the components meant 'not' + 'union' + 'system/practice'; over time the compounded term came to specifically denote 'the policy, practice, or condition of opposing or lacking trade unions'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the ideology, policy, or practice of opposing trade unions or preventing union organization (anti-union stance).
The company's management promoted nonunionism and refused to negotiate with the newly formed union.
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Noun 2
the state or condition of being non-unionized; workplaces or workers not organized into a union.
Nonunionism is common in many small businesses where employees seldom join unions.
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Last updated: 2026/01/01 06:19