Meaning & use

minority

noun·Academic

The smaller part of a group, or a group that differs from the larger, dominant part of a population in ethnicity, religion, or other traits.

See it in a sentence

Only a minority of the committee voted against the new policy.

The organization advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities in the region.

A note on using this word

In social and political contexts, "minority" often refers specifically to a group with less power or representation, not merely a smaller number.

Words with a similar meaning

fewunderrepresented group

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

majority

Make it your own

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