minority
the smaller part or number; a number, part, or amount forming less than half of the whole.
a smaller party or group opposed to a majority, as in voting or other action.
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.
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.
a member of such a group.
the state or period of being under the legal age of full responsibility.
of or relating to a minority.
Origin of minority
1Other words for minority
Other words from minority
- non·mi·nor·i·ty, adjective
- pro·mi·nor·i·ty, adjective
- Compare majority-minority.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for minority
/ (maɪˈnɒrɪtɪ, mɪ-) /
the smaller in number of two parts, factions, or groups
a group that is different racially, politically, etc, from a larger group of which it is a part
the state of being a minor
the period during which a person is below legal age: Compare majority
(modifier) relating to or being a minority: a minority interest; a minority opinion
Origin of minority
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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