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

Growing concerns about physical safety and political marginalization are prompting California’s Jewish community to withdraw from civic engagement and embrace more insular communal structures, particularly among Orthodox populations who face fewer barriers to community cohesion.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

I would say we can often move inside and outside of various forms of marginalization, but we can also exercise our own privilege, particularly when we form collectives.

From Salon • May 8, 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

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

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander