politically correct
Americanadjective
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marked by or adhering to a typically progressive orthodoxy on issues involving especially ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ecology: The CEO feels that people who care about being politically correct are overly sensitive. PC, P.C.
The actor’s comment about unattractive women was not politically correct.
The CEO feels that people who care about being politically correct are overly sensitive.
adjective
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PC. demonstrating progressive ideals, esp by avoiding vocabulary that is considered offensive, discriminatory, or judgmental, esp concerning race and gender
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Also, PC or p.c. Showing an effort to make broad social and political changes to redress injustices caused by prejudice. It often involves changing or avoiding language that might offend anyone, especially with respect to gender, race, or ethnic background. For example, Editors of major papers have sent out numerous directives concerning politically correct language. This expression was born in the late 1900s, and excesses in trying to conform to its philosophy gave rise to humorous parodies.
Usage
What does politically correct mean? Being politically correct, or PC for short, is saying or doing things in ways that will not cause offense regarding race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other aspects of identity.Some people criticize PC culture as being too sensitive and fragile.How is politically correct pronounced?[ puh-li-tik-lee kuh-rekt ] or [ pee-see ]What are other forms of politically correct?
- PC
- political correctness
Other Word Forms
- political correctness noun
Etymology
Origin of politically correct
1790–95 (in the sense “in accordance with established norms”); 1970–75 for the more recent meaning, which evolved from earlier Communist uses in the 1920s
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The outspoken singer acknowledged that she wants to be "more politically correct" and "way more knowledgeable" about certain subjects, but still thinks reporters should lay off a little.
From Salon • Mar. 26, 2025
Fellow Frenchman André Santini has an entire entry on Kevin Costner, who was supposedly the politically correct movement’s favorite Hollywood hunk.
From Slate • Jan. 5, 2025
Language once considered hostile has become common, sometimes precisely because it runs counter to politically correct sensibilities.
From New York Times • Apr. 26, 2024
"If I had not been honest, if I had tried to make certain things more palatable or politically correct, would I have been more successful?," she says.
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2023
“It’s not exactly politically correct, if you know what I mean.”
From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.