minority

Plural: minorities

Noun

• The smaller number or part, especially of a group.
• a group of people who differ racially or politically from a larger group of which it is a part
• being or relating to the smaller in number of two parts
  • "when the vote was taken they were in the minority"
  • "he held a minority position"
• any age prior to the legal age
• The state of being a minor; youth, the period of a person's life prior to reaching adulthood.
• Any subgroup that does not form a numerical majority.
• A member of an ethnic minority.
• A group of people seen as distinct who are subordinated and discriminated against in a society.
• A Muslim.

Adj

• Of or relating to a minority.
• Empowered by or representing a minority (usually a plurality) of votes cast, legislative seats, etc., rather than an outright majority thereof.

Examples

• In Scrabble, those who can play obscure words often belong to a scoring MINORITY.
• Most people agreed, but a sizable minority were upset by the decision.
• The company claims it has hired several minorities since the complaint was lodged.
• They hold a minority interest in the company.

Synonyms

nonage, childhood

Antonyms

majority, adulthood

Related Words

minor, quantifier