marginalized: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, academic, sociological, political, journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “marginalized” mean?
To make or treat someone or something as insignificant, peripheral, or powerless within a society or group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make or treat someone or something as insignificant, peripheral, or powerless within a society or group.
Refers to the social process by which certain groups are pushed to the edges of society, economically, politically, culturally, or socially, limiting their access to resources, rights, and opportunities. The term is commonly used to describe systemic exclusion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and frequency are very similar. The spelling '-ised' is a possible UK variant, but '-ized' is dominant and standard in both varieties for this word. The sociological/political usage is identical.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations of social justice, inequality, and critical discourse in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic and political discourse, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “marginalized” in a Sentence
[subject] marginalizes [object][object] is marginalized (by [subject])[object] feels marginalized[object] becomes marginalizedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marginalized” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The policy effectively marginalised those who were already struggling.
- We must not marginalise dissenting voices in the debate.
American English
- The new regulations could further marginalize small farmers.
- Communities are often marginalized by rapid urban development.
adverb
British English
- The group lived marginalisedly on the outskirts of the city for decades. (Rare/awkward)
- He spoke feelingly about being treated marginalizingly. (Very rare/unidiomatic)
American English
- The policy was implemented in a way that impacted groups marginalizingly. (Rare/awkward)
- They were positioned marginalisedly within the organisation. (Very rare/unidiomatic)
adjective
British English
- They focused on reaching marginalized youth in the programme.
- The report highlighted the needs of several marginalized communities.
American English
- Providing healthcare to marginalized populations is a priority.
- Her research gives voice to marginalized perspectives.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in discussions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) regarding underrepresented groups.
Academic
Frequent in sociology, political science, cultural studies, and education to describe systemic social exclusion.
Everyday
Used in news and discussions about social issues, inequality, and minority rights.
Technical
Core term in critical theory, social policy, and human rights frameworks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “marginalized”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “marginalized”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marginalized”
- Using it to mean simply 'ignored' or 'unpopular' without the systemic/power dimension. Confusing it with 'minoritized' (though related). Using the adjective 'marginal' (which means slight or minor) to mean 'marginalized'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While economic marginalization is common, the term also encompasses political, social, cultural, and spatial exclusion.
'Marginal' typically means small, slight, or of minimal importance (e.g., a marginal increase). 'Marginalized' is the past participle adjective describing a state of being made peripheral or powerless by social forces.
Typically no. Marginalization involves a power dynamic where a dominant group excludes others. A numerical majority could be marginalized in terms of power if a smaller elite holds control (e.g., under apartheid), but this is less common.
It is a recognized variant, but '-ized' is the standard and more frequent spelling for this word in modern British English, especially in academic and publishing contexts.
To make or treat someone or something as insignificant, peripheral, or powerless within a society or group.
Marginalized is usually formal, academic, sociological, political, journalistic. in register.
Marginalized: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪzd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəlaɪzd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the margins”
- “Pushed to the periphery”
- “Left out in the cold (less direct)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the MARGIN of a page – it's the edge, away from the main text. To be MARGINALIZED is to be pushed to the edge of society.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A TEXT/CENTRE-PERIPHERY; Important people/groups are in the 'main text' or 'centre', while marginalized groups are in the 'margins' or on the 'edge'.
Practice
Quiz
In sociological terms, a 'marginalized group' is best defined as: