Wildcat Strike - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT wildcat strike /ˌwaɪl(d)ˈkæt straɪk/ IPA guide

Other forms: wildcat strikes

If a group of factory workers goes on strike without any planning, organization, or vote, it's called a wildcat strike.

Use the phrase wildcat strike when you're talking about a strike that's not approved by a union or sanctioned by any group or even a vote among workers. When people go on strike, they refuse to work as a protest against unfair or unsafe working conditions. When you talk about a wildcat strike, you're using wildcat to mean "untamed or unruly," just like an actual wild animal.

Definitions of wildcat strike

noun a strike undertaken by workers without approval from the officials of their union see moresee less type of: strike, work stoppage a group's refusal to work in protest against low pay or bad work conditions

Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘wildcat strike'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account