Minority — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /mə-ˈnȯr-ə-tē/ mi·nor·i·ty

Meaning & Definition of Minority

Minority (noun)

  1. the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole, a number or percentage equaling less than half of a total
  2. the smaller quantity or share
  3. the group or political party having the smaller number of votes —often used before another noun

Minority (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the transitional period between childhood and adulthood

    "a teenager during his minority has some of the rights of an adult, but not all"

    similar: adolescence, nonage
    related: boyhood, girlhood, preadolescence, youth, bloom, flush, heyday, prime, majority, maturity, manhood, womanhood, babyhood, infancy

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Minority

The most common words with a similar meaning to Minority:

adolescence, nonage

Related Words for Minority

boyhood, girlhood, preadolescence, youth, bloom, flush, heyday, prime, majority, maturity, manhood, womanhood, babyhood, infancy

Word Forms of Minority

Inflections: minorities

Origin & Etymology of Minority

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Minority

Words & Phrases Containing Minority

minority leader, in the minority

Frequently Asked Questions about Minority

What does "Minority" mean?

"Minority" means the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole, a number or percentage equaling less than half of a total. As a noun, it is defined as: the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole, a number or percentage equaling less than half of a total.

What is another word for "Minority"?

Other words for "Minority" include adolescence and nonage. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Minority" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Minority"?

There are 16 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Minority". Common alternatives include adolescence and nonage.

How do you use "Minority" in a sentence?

Examples of "Minority" in a sentence: "a teenager during his minority has some of the rights of an adult, but not all".

Is "Minority" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Minority" is a noun.

Is "Minority" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Minority" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Minority"?

"Minority" is pronounced /mə-ˈnȯr-ə-tē/ and divided into syllables as mi·nor·i·ty.

What is the origin of the word "Minority"?

First known use: 15th century.