minority

[ mahy-nawr-i-tee, -nor, mi- ]

noun

, plural mi·nor·i·ties.

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

/ 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 opinion

   a minority interest

Other Words From

• non·mi·nor·i·ty adjective
• pro·mi·nor·i·ty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of minority¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of minority¹

C16: from Medieval Latin minōritās, from Latin minor

Example Sentences

The family - who are part of Afghanistan's Hazara minority - made the difficult journey to Pakistan, where they spent a year before being granted asylum in Canada.

From BBC

Heterosexuals were more positive than those who identified as sexual minorities, and men were more positive than women and those who are nonbinary.

From Science Daily

It disproportionately affects children who are racial minorities, come from low-income families or have special needs.

From Los Angeles Times

A growing minority say they’re willing to give up territory to secure peace.

From BBC

Microsoft, then a minority partner in the channel, made web culture part of its programming.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• opposition