supermajority: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Technical (Political Science, Law, Corporate Governance)
Quick answer
What does “supermajority” mean?
A majority that is larger than a simple majority (50% + 1), typically a specified higher proportion such as two-thirds or three-fifths, required for certain important decisions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A majority that is larger than a simple majority (50% + 1), typically a specified higher proportion such as two-thirds or three-fifths, required for certain important decisions.
Any large, dominant majority in a voting body, often implying a level of support that transcends normal partisan divisions and confers significant political or legal power to enact major changes or override vetoes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept is used in both varieties, but is more frequently invoked in American contexts due to its constitutional role (e.g., overriding presidential veto, ratifying treaties). In the UK, similar concepts exist (e.g., Parliament Acts, certain company resolutions) but the specific term "supermajority" is less common in everyday political discourse.
Connotations
Connotes formal procedure, high-stakes decision-making, and institutional rules. In partisan contexts, can imply an obstacle for the ruling party or a goal to achieve unchecked power.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, especially in news coverage of the US Senate. Lower frequency but understood in British English in legal and corporate contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “supermajority” in a Sentence
The [body] requires a supermajority to [action].A supermajority of [number/fraction] is needed for [purpose].They fell short of the supermajority needed to [outcome].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supermajority” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The supermajority requirement is enshrined in the company's articles of association.
American English
- A supermajority vote in the Senate is necessary to convict an impeached official.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In corporate governance, a supermajority of shareholder votes may be required to approve a merger or amend the company's charter.
Academic
Political science papers analyse the impact of supermajority rules on legislative productivity and partisan bargaining.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might appear in news: "The ruling party failed to secure a supermajority, limiting its ability to amend the constitution."
Technical
A precise legal or procedural threshold defined in a constitution, statute, or set of bylaws (e.g., 'a two-thirds supermajority of members present and voting').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supermajority”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supermajority”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supermajority”
- Using it to mean any large majority without the procedural requirement. Confusing it with 'simple majority'. Using it as a countable noun without specifying the threshold (e.g., 'They have a supermajority' is vague).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While two-thirds is common, a supermajority can be any defined threshold greater than a simple majority, such as 60%, 3/5, or 3/4, depending on the specific rules.
An 'overwhelming majority' is a descriptive term for a large margin (e.g., 80%). A 'supermajority' is a formal, procedural threshold that must be met for a specific action, regardless of how large the final vote margin is.
Yes, but primarily in the context of them meeting a voting threshold. E.g., 'The supermajority of senators voted for the bill' means the group of senators who voted yes constituted a supermajority.
The term is understood but less common. UK law refers to specific majorities (e.g., 'two-thirds majority' in the Parliament Acts) rather than using 'supermajority' as a blanket category. It is more frequent in corporate and organisational bylaws.
A majority that is larger than a simple majority (50% + 1), typically a specified higher proportion such as two-thirds or three-fifths, required for certain important decisions.
Supermajority is usually formal, technical (political science, law, corporate governance) in register.
Supermajority: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpəməˈʤɒrəti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpərməˈʤɔːrəti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The term is technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think SUPER (more than normal) + MAJORITY (more than half). It's a majority on steroids, needed for super-important decisions.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HIGHER BAR/HURDLE (for legislation); A HEAVIER KEY (to unlock special powers).
Practice
Quiz
In a corporate context, what is the most likely purpose of a supermajority requirement?