second-class citizen: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, journalistic, academic, and social/political discourse.
Quick answer
What does “second-class citizen” mean?
A person who is systematically discriminated against, denied equal rights or opportunities, and treated as inferior within a society or institution.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is systematically discriminated against, denied equal rights or opportunities, and treated as inferior within a society or institution.
A metaphorical term describing any group, concept, or object that receives less attention, respect, or priority compared to others in a given system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally used and understood in both socio-political contexts.
Connotations
Strongly negative, connotes injustice, systemic failure, and civil rights issues. In both variants, it evokes historical and contemporary struggles for equality.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in serious journalism, political science, and social commentary in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “second-class citizen” in a Sentence
[Group/Person] + be/feel/become + a second-class citizen[System/Policy] + treat/make + [Group] + second-class citizensthe second-class citizen + of + [system/institution]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second-class citizen” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new policy risks second-classing an entire generation of pensioners.
- We must not second-class those who choose vocational training.
American English
- The software update second-classes users of older devices.
- They accused the government of second-classing rural communities.
adjective
British English
- They were given second-class citizen status.
- The report highlighted second-class-citizen treatment of agency staff.
American English
- She rejected the second-class citizen label.
- They fought against second-class-citizen rights.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically to describe employees (e.g., part-time staff) receiving inferior benefits or opportunities.
Academic
Used in sociology, political science, and law to analyze systemic discrimination and social stratification.
Everyday
Used in discussions about social justice, discrimination, or perceived unfair treatment in any context (e.g., "As a cyclist in this city, I feel like a second-class citizen").
Technical
Not a formal legal term, but used in policy analysis and human rights reporting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second-class citizen”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “second-class citizen”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second-class citizen”
- Using it for minor, one-off slights rather than systemic disadvantage. *'The waiter ignored me, I was treated like a second-class citizen!' (overstatement).
- Misspelling as 'second class-citizen'.
- Using it as a verb (*'They second-class-citizened us').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a powerful metaphorical and sociological term used in political, journalistic, and academic discourse to describe systemic inequality, but it is not a precise category in statute law.
Yes, it is often used metaphorically. For example, 'In the national budget, the arts are treated as a second-class citizen' means the arts receive inferior funding and priority.
It derives from the 19th-century practice of segregating passengers on ships and railways into 'first-class' and 'second-class'. The term was applied metaphorically to social status by the early 20th century, gaining prominence during civil rights movements.
The term itself is not inherently offensive; it is a critical descriptor of unfair systems. However, applying it lightly to trivial personal inconveniences can be seen as insensitive to those experiencing genuine systemic discrimination.
A person who is systematically discriminated against, denied equal rights or opportunities, and treated as inferior within a society or institution.
Second-class citizen: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈklɑːs ˈsɪt.ɪ.zən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈklæs ˈsɪt̬.ə.zən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “second-class status”
- “treated like a second-class citizen (itself idiomatic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'class' system on old ships or trains: FIRST-class passengers got the best service, SECOND-class got worse. A 'second-class citizen' is someone given the 'worse service' in society.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A TRANSPORT SYSTEM WITH CLASSES / CITIZENSHIP IS A COMMODITY WITH GRADES.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'second-class citizen' LEAST appropriate?