minority group: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
High (in social/political contexts)Formal/Academic
Quick answer
What does “minority group” mean?
A smaller part of a population distinguished by race, religion, ethnicity, language, or other characteristics from the dominant group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A smaller part of a population distinguished by race, religion, ethnicity, language, or other characteristics from the dominant group.
A social or political subgroup with less power or representation within a larger society, often facing discrimination or marginalisation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Usage is equally common in both.
Connotations
In the US, strongly tied to Civil Rights discourse. In the UK, often linked to multiculturalism and race relations policies.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American public/political discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “minority group” in a Sentence
[minority group] + [verb] (e.g., suffers, faces)[adjective] + [minority group][verb] + [for/against] + [minority group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “minority group” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The policy aims to minority-group the interests of the Roma community.
- They are working to minority-group these populations in the census.
American English
- The commission sought to minority-group the needs of indigenous tribes.
- We must not minority-group the concerns of religious minorities.
adverb
British English
- The law was applied minority-grouply.
- The funds were distributed minority-grouply.
American English
- The policies were designed minority-grouply.
- The company recruited minority-grouply.
adjective
British English
- The minority-group representation on the council was discussed.
- They published a minority-group impact assessment.
American English
- The court considered minority-group voting rights.
- They conducted a minority-group outreach program.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Focus on diversity hiring and inclusion initiatives for minority groups.
Academic
Analysing the socioeconomic status of ethnic minority groups within a stratified society.
Everyday
The festival celebrates the culture of a local minority group.
Technical
The legislation defines protected minority groups under equal opportunity law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “minority group”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “minority group”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “minority group”
- Using 'minorities' as an adjective (incorrect: 'minorities rights'; correct: 'minority rights').
- Referring to women as a 'minority group' when they are a numerical majority but a social minority can be contextually correct but is debated.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in sociology, a group can be a numerical majority but a social or power 'minority' (e.g., Black South Africans under apartheid). The term refers to subordinate status, not just numbers.
'Minority' can refer to the smaller number/part itself (e.g., 'in the minority'). 'Minority group' is a sociological term for a distinct social subgroup with a shared identity and subordinate status.
No, it is a neutral, descriptive term in academia and law. However, the experiences of minority groups (discrimination, marginalisation) are often negative. The term itself is not pejorative.
Recognition varies by country. It can be through census categories, constitutional provisions, or inclusion in anti-discrimination legislation. There is no single international standard.
A smaller part of a population distinguished by race, religion, ethnicity, language, or other characteristics from the dominant group.
Minority group is usually formal/academic in register.
Minority group: in British English it is pronounced /maɪˌnɒrɪti ˈɡruːp/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˌnɔrəti ˈɡruːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A minority within a minority”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Minority = smaller part. Group = collection of people. A smaller collection of people within a larger society.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A BODY (where a minority group can be an organ needing protection). POWER IS UP/DOWN (minority groups are often 'marginalised' or 'disadvantaged').
Practice
Quiz
What is the key implication of the term 'minority group'?