marginalization

¹ American

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

especially British, marginalisation

noun

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.

marginalization ² American

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

noun

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

Etymology

Origin of marginalization

marginaliz(e) + -ation ( def. )

Vocabulary lists containing marginalization

30 GRE Words Beginning with "K" "L""M" and "N" and "O"

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

Inequality and other forms of marginalization and identity overlap and intersect.

From Salon • May 29, 2025

Because of the language’s marginalization, she was taught to understand her parents’ tongue but never to speak it.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2024

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023