minority

[mahy-nawr-i-tee, -nor, mi-]

noun

plural

minorities 

1. the smaller part or number; a number, part, or amount forming less than half of the whole.

2. a smaller party or group opposed to a majority, as in voting or other action.

3. a group in society distinguished from, and less dominant than, the more numerous majority.

   The ethnic minority was disproportionately affected by the reduction in preventative medical services.

4. a racial, ethnic, religious, or social subdivision of a society that is subordinated in political, financial, or social power by the dominant group, without regard to the size of these groups.

   legislation aimed at providing equal rights for minorities.

5. a member of such a group.

6. the state or period of being under the legal age of full responsibility.

   Synonyms: girlhood, boyhood, childhood

adjective

1. of or relating to a minority.

minority

/ mɪ-, maɪˈnɒrɪtɪ /

noun

1. the smaller in number of two parts, factions, or groups

2. a group that is different racially, politically, etc, from a larger group of which it is a part

3. 1. the state of being a minor

   2. the period during which a person is below legal age Compare majority

4. (modifier) relating to or being a minority

   a minority interest

   a minority opinion

Other Word Forms

• nonminority adjective
• prominority adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of minority¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English, from Middle French minorité, from Medieval Latin minōritāt-, stem of minōritās; minor, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of minority¹

C16: from Medieval Latin minōritās, from Latin _minor

Example Sentences

In recent decades, good-government advocates have fought to create districts that are logical and geographically compact and do not disenfranchise minority voters.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“I think my general view is that they are failing to balance perceived criticism on the internet from a very loud minority as opposed to the actual reality.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“No other minority is being asked to choose between allegiances. This boycott absolutely smacks of something else, and it’s called antisemitism.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But a substantial minority of seven officials penciled in no further reductions this year, highlighting a thorny consensus-building exercise facing Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

It says its mission is to boost Black and minority business owners by helping them list on a stock exchange and get funding from investors.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• opposition