marginalization

¹ American  

[mahr-juh-nl-ahy-zey-shuhn] / ˌmɑr dʒə nl aɪˈzeɪ ʃən /

especially British, marginalisation

noun

1. the act of placing a person or thing in a position of lesser importance, influence, or power; the state of being placed in such a position.

   The social marginalization of overweight adolescents may further reduce their self-esteem and increase depression.

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marginalization ² American  

[mahr-juhn-uhl-uhz-ay-shuhn, -ahyz-ay-shuhn] / ˌmɑr dʒən əl əzˈeɪ ʃən, -aɪzˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of marginalizing a person, group, or idea.

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Etymology

Origin of marginalization

marginaliz(e) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

The author, an older person, embraces talking to strangers to regain lost social connections and counter feelings of marginalization.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

As an answer to the marginalization of Black and brown people in mainstream comedy, Alexio said he decided to produce his own show, with hopes to highlight other Latinx performers as well.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2025

Hawaii's Native population also similarly faced cultural decimation and social and economic marginalization as Puerto Rico after the U.S. staged a coup in 1893 against the sovereign country and annexed Hawaii in 1898.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2025

L.A.’s Black day parties fill a need for belonging and for partying in peace without discrimination or marginalization.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 3, 2024

While marginalization may sound far preferable to exploitation, it may prove to be even more dangerous.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander