minority

noun

Any subgroup that does not form a numerical majority.

(sociology) A group of people seen as distinct who are subordinated and discriminated against in a society.

(US) A member of an ethnic minority.

The state or condition of being smaller, inferior, or subordinate to something or someone else; lesserness.

The state of being a minor; youth, the period of a person's life prior to reaching adulthood.

(India, euphemistic) A Muslim.

adjective

(relational, attributive) Of or relating to a minority.

(attributive, politics, of a party, government, etc.) Empowered by or representing a minority (usually a plurality) of votes cast, legislative seats, etc., rather than an outright majority thereof.

Roots

minusmin- · Latin · less, smaller

Synonyms for minority

nonagen

Synonyms & related words for minority

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Words related to minority

Explore words related to minority — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include majoritarian, majorities, majoritarianism, nonvoting, ethnic, underrepresented, voteless, outvoting. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for minority

Common synonyms for minority include nonage — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does minority come from?

The word minority breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root min-, from Latin minus (“less, smaller”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.