Underclass - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
The underclass refers to the lowest social group in a society, often facing poverty, unemployment, and limited opportunities. It is used to describe those marginalized due to economic or social disadvantages.
Definition:
The lowest social stratum, often economically disadvantaged and lacking opportunities for advancement.
Synonyms:
lower class, proletariat, disadvantaged, marginalized
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
upper class, elite, aristocracy
Common Collocations:
urban underclass, growing underclass, impoverished underclass
Derivatives:
underclasses, underclassman (though contextually different)
Usage Tips:
Use "underclass" to describe a group facing systemic barriers, not just temporary poverty.
Common Phrases:
trapped in the underclass, cycle of the underclass, rise of the underclass
Etymology:
Derived from "under" + "class," first used in the early 20th century to describe marginalized groups.
Examples:
- 1. The underclass struggles with limited access to education.
- 2. Policies often fail to address the needs of the underclass.
- 3. Many in the underclass work multiple jobs but remain poor.
- 4. The documentary highlighted the plight of the urban underclass.