minority

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sociology

n. a group of people who have a different race, religion, or culture from most other people in a country.

n. a demographic group that is differentiated from the social majority by race, religion, or ethnicity, often facing systemic disadvantage.

“The government is working to protect the rights of every ethnic minority in the country.”

“The study examines how minority communities maintain their cultural heritage while navigating the pressures of the dominant social landscape.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Law Formal · Technical

n. the time in your life before you are legally an adult.

n. the state or period of being a legal minor, prior to reaching the age of majority.

“The prince inherited the throne during his minority, so his mother ruled for him.”

“The legal documents were held in a trust that would remain active throughout the heir's minority until he reached the age of twenty-one.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Politics

adj. describing something that belongs to or represents a smaller group.

adj. pertaining to or representing a numerical minority, often used in political contexts.

“The party formed a minority government because they did not have enough seats to rule alone.”

“The coalition struggled to pass legislation as a minority administration, requiring constant negotiation with independent members of parliament.”