Minority

Quick meaning: Minority is a noun meaning The state or condition of being smaller, inferior, or subordinate to something or someone else; lesserness.

Meaning

The state or condition of being smaller, inferior, or subordinate to something or someone else; lesserness.

More Meanings

1. The state of being a minor; youth, the period of a person's life prior to reaching adulthood.
2. Any subgroup that does not form a numerical majority.
3. (US) A member of an ethnic minority.
4. (sociology) A group of people seen as distinct who are subordinated and discriminated against in a society.
5. (India, euphemistic) A Muslim.
6. (relational, attributive) Of or relating to a minority.
7. (attributive, politics, of a party, government, etc.) Empowered by or representing a minority (usually a plurality) of votes cast, legislative seats, etc., rather than an outright majority thereof.

Example Sentences

They hold a minority interest in the company.

Most people agreed, but a sizable minority were upset by the decision.

She also played a key role as dowager-regent during the minority of her son.

The company claims it has hired several minorities since the complaint was lodged.

Word Forms

• minorities

Synonyms for minority

Depending on context, synonyms include childhood, nonage.

Antonyms for minority

Common opposites include adulthood, majority, bulk.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include nonage, small, elite, inferiority, community, ethnic.

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