strikebreaking
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈstraɪkˌbreɪkɪŋ/
KK: /straɪkˌbreɪkɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Relating to actions or activities that oppose or undermine a strike, often involving individuals who work during a strike to replace striking workers.
Example
The company hired strikebreaking workers to continue operations during the labor dispute.
Conversation
Did you hear about the strikebreaking efforts at the factory?
Yeah, it's really upsetting to see that happening.
I know! It makes you wonder how people can support strikebreaking activities.
Right? It just undermines the workers' rights.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
antiunion
proemployer
nonunion
Antonyms
union
collective
cooperative
noun
Definition
An action or activity aimed at stopping a strike by workers, often by bringing in non-striking workers or other means to undermine the strike.
Example
The company hired strikebreakers to continue operations during the workers' protest.
Conversation
Did you hear about the strikebreaking happening at the factory?
Yeah, it's a pretty controversial issue right now.
I can't believe they would resort to strikebreaking tactics.
Root Explanation
Strikebreaking → It is formed from "strike" (from Old English *strican*, meaning to hit or strike) and "breaking" (from "break" which comes from Old English *brecan*, meaning to break). The word "strikebreaking" refers to the act of breaking a strike, typically by working during a labor dispute or undermining the efforts of striking workers.
Memory Tip
Think of the action of 'hitting' ('strike') and 'breaking' something — in this case, the efforts of workers who are striking.
Visually Confused Words
trucebreaking