Skip to main content
Dictionary
Store
Blog
World
Help
Advertise
Chat
System Status
Information Collection Notice
Trademark Concerns
reCAPTCHA Privacy
Terms of Service
reCAPTCHA Terms
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Report a Bug
Data Request
Contact Us
Security
DMCA
© 1999–2026 Urban Dictionary ®
Mugs
Tees
Hoodies
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Preview
Personalize Your Design
Your Word
Your Definition
Noun. General Educational Development. The GED is an educational certificate awarded in the United States and Canada which certifies that the recipient has met the minimum requirements necessary to graduate high school. Some members of the academic elite enjoy ridiculing the test and its alleged lack of significance or ease of completion, despite the fact that 30% of graduating high school seniors fail it each year. Reasons for dropping out of high school and later pursuing the GED are diverse and include family problems, military service and economic conditions which force willing students to take full-time jobs. Thus, any stereotyping or derisive attitude toward those pursuing their GED's seems to come from a lack of compassion, or from pure, pompous arrogance. Despite the belief that GED students are under-achievers or that they do not wish to pursue a higher education, the simple fact that they have chosen to study for their GED renders this argument highly spurious. In addition, many of those who receive the certificate go on to college/university and enjoy successful, illustrious careers. Among the most famous recipients of the GED are U.S. Senators Ben Nighthorse Campbell and Paull Shin, Governors Jim Florio and Ruth Ann Minner, Surgeon General Richard Carmona, and highly revered ABC broadcast journalist Peter Jennings.
Text fits
Save
Cancel