# minority

/maɪˈnɔɹəti/ (US) · /maɪnˈɒɹɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/minority
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. smaller part of a group

noun · CEFR B2

a part of a group that is less than half of the total number.

For teachers: a numerical subgroup that constitutes less than half of the total population or sample.

- Only a small minority of students disagreed with the new school rules.
- While the proposal had significant support, a vocal minority of shareholders expressed concerns regarding the long-term debt implications.

### 2. ethnic or social group

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. legal childhood

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. relating to a minority

adjective · CEFR B2

describing something that belongs to or represents a smaller group.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Only a small minority of students failed the exam.
- The new law includes specific protections to ensure that the ethnic minority has a voice in local government.
- While the proposal enjoyed broad public support, a vocal minority within the committee managed to delay the final vote by raising several procedural objections.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.