minority

American  

[mahy-nawr-i-tee, -nor, mi-] / maɪˈnɔr ɪ ti, -ˈnɒr, mɪ- /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of minority

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

Example Sentences

Inspectors concluded that staff - including those from minority groups - spoke of the "harmonious and religiously tolerant" school atmosphere.

From BBC

“The president has been clear that the Syrian government must protect the rights and security of all minority populations in Syria,” the official said.

From The Wall Street Journal

So he joins a slim minority in accusing Rinna, Underwood’s favored Traitor candidate – and the right suspect, finally – risking his trusted place among the small circle of the guilty.

From Salon

A hundreds-strong crowd in Myanmar rallied on Tuesday against the country's prosecution for genocide, a rare public protest permitted by military authorities accused of the atrocities against the Rohingya minority.

From Barron's

With Anta Sports under no obligation to extend its offer to minorities, fund managers must decide whether the new investors, who already own a portfolio of celebrated sports brands, can deliver results for shareholders.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• opposition