precariat

[pre-KAIR-ee-at]
nounpl: precariats
precariado
1. A social class composed of people suffering from precarity; workers without stable employment, benefits, or job security, often engaged in gig economy or temporary work
The rise of the gig economy has expanded the precariat, making it harder for workers to access healthcare and retirement benefits.
O crescimento da economia de plataformas expandiu o precariado, tornando mais difícil para os trabalhadores acessar saúde e benefícios de aposentadoria.
2. The state or condition of being precarious; economic and social insecurity characterized by unstable work and income
Many young professionals find themselves trapped in the precariat, moving from one temporary contract to another.
Muitos profissionais jovens se veem presos no precariado, passando de um contrato temporário para outro.
The term 'precariat' gained prominence in the 2000s-2010s as gig economy platforms (Uber, DoorDash, etc.) expanded globally. In Brazil, it describes a growing demographic of workers without CLT (labor law) protections, particularly relevant in discussions of labor reform and workers' rights. In the USA, it reflects concerns about the erosion of traditional employment and social safety nets.
NYC Slang
gig workers
Synonyms / Sinônimos
precarious workforcegig workersunstable labor forceinformal economy workers
Antonyms / Antônimos
stable employmentpermanent workerssalaried classunionized workforce

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
precariado
Most common and standard term used in academic and policy discussions
São Paulo
precariado
Widely used in economic and labor discussions; common in academic circles
Rio de Janeiro
precariado
Used in urban labor and social contexts
Portugal
precariado
Also used; sometimes 'trabalhadores precários' (precarious workers) is preferred in colloquial speech

Related Words

precarityprecariousgig economyjob insecurityinformal economylabor market

Related Idioms & Phrases

stuck in the precariat
precariat blues
precarity trap
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