déclassé means degraded from one's social class.
déclassé is pronounced /deɪˈklæseɪ/.
Why “déclassé” is a great word
Degraded or fallen from one's original social class or standing. Borrowed from French déclassé, past participle of déclasser ('to declass'), from dé- ('de-, down from') + classe ('class'). First attested in English circa 1887. Unlike nouveau riche, which marks a crude ascent, or proletarian, which names a class origin without implying descent, déclassé carries the specific ache of a downward trajectory. It is the frayed cuff on a Savile Row suit, the tarnished silver heirloom sold at auction to pay debts, the accent that betrays a grammar school education while waiting tables—a quiet testament to the fact that in the architecture of class, stairs descend more steeply than they climb.
Etymology
Borrowed from French déclassé.
adj
- Degraded from one's social class.
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.
- parvenu 84% match — A person who has risen, climbed up, or has been promoted to a higher social class, especially through acquisition of wealth, privileges, or political authority but has not gained social acceptance by those within that new class. vs déclassé →
- degradation 84% match — The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society vs déclassé →
- deracine 84% match — Having been uprooted. vs déclassé →
- degringolade 83% match — A rapid decline or deterioration; a tumble. vs déclassé →
- parvenuism 83% match — The practices or characteristics of a social climber. vs déclassé →
- squalor 83% match — Filthiness and degradation, as from neglect or poverty vs déclassé →
- decadence 82% match — A state of moral or artistic decline or deterioration; decay vs déclassé →
- louche 82% match — Of questionable taste or morality; decadent. vs déclassé →