minority

A group that makes up less than half of a larger group.

• Only a minority voted against the plan.
• Women are still in the minority on this team.
• A small minority of customers complained.

How to use it: a minority of someone/something (Only a minority of students chose French.); be in the minority (People who opposed the plan were in the minority.)

Opposites: majority

Common phrases: a small minority, in the minority, minority of something

A person belonging to an ethnic group with less social or political power.

• The company hired several minorities last year.
• She is the only minority on the board.
• The survey asked minorities about discrimination at work.

Similar words: minority group member

Common phrases: hire a minority, minorities and women

The period when someone is legally too young to be an adult.

• A guardian managed his money during his minority.
• The trust covered the whole period of her minority.
• His minority ended when he reached the legal age.

Similar words: childhood

Opposites: adulthood

Common phrases: during someone’s minority, period of minority

Connected with a group that is smaller or has less power than others.

• The school supports minority languages.
• She owns a minority interest in the company.
• Minority groups asked for stronger legal protection.

Opposites: majority

Common phrases: minority group, minority rights, minority interest

Holding power without having more than half the votes or seats.

• The party formed a minority government.
• A minority administration needs support from other parties.
• The election left the country under minority rule.

Opposites: majority

Common phrases: minority government, minority administration, minority rule