Word
underclass
Phoneticsun·der·class, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəndɝˌkɫæs/
UK/ˌʌndəklˈɑːs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a group of people at the very bottom of society, often with very little money, work, or support.
n. a population segment occupying the lowest social and economic stratum, marked by persistent poverty, unemployment, and limited social mobility.
Examples
“Many programs aim to help the underclass find work.”
“The report warns that cuts to benefits will hit the underclass hardest in former industrial towns.”
“Sociologists debate whether the underclass reflects structural economic failure or entrenched patterns of disadvantage passed across generations in deindustrialised neighbourhoods.”
Examples
simple
“Many programs aim to help the underclass find work.”
contextual
“The report warns that cuts to benefits will hit the underclass hardest in former industrial towns.”
complex
“Sociologists debate whether the underclass reflects structural economic failure or entrenched patterns of disadvantage passed across generations in deindustrialised neighbourhoods.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “underclass” in context.
Verb
01. belong to underclass
“Those who belong to the underclass often lack political influence.”
verb + prep + noun
02. create underclass
“Critics argue the reforms will create an underclass of low-paid workers.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. disadvantaged underclass
“The policy aims to support the disadvantaged underclass in deprived areas.”
adj + noun
04. entrenched underclass
“Generations of unemployment have produced an entrenched underclass.”
adj + noun
05. growing underclass
“Low wages and insecure jobs are creating a growing underclass.”
adj + noun
06. permanent underclass
“Without access to education, they risk becoming a permanent underclass.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. emergence of underclass
“Sociologists studied the emergence of an underclass in deindustrialized cities.”
noun + prep + noun
08. members of underclass
“Members of the underclass rarely have access to stable employment.”
noun + prep + noun
09. create a permanent underclass
“Austerity measures could create a permanent underclass.”
10. emergence of a permanent underclass
“Experts warn about the emergence of a permanent underclass.”
11. lifted out of the underclass
“Free training helped hundreds get lifted out of the underclass.”
12. members of the urban underclass
“Members of the urban underclass were hit hardest by the cuts.”
Usage
Typically used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the group as a whole.
Real-World Examples
“The standard image of the poor has been that of an entrenched underclass, impoverished for years at a time.” “If they fail to get it right, instead of cultivating a middle class, they risk creating a substantial underclass in urban areas, which is quite alarming.” “This has the makings of a permanent underclass, which would be a domestic disaster as well as a danger to our ability to compete in the new global economy.” Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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