---
title: minorities
slug: minorities
flag:
  level: avoid
defined: true
excerpt: the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole; can be inaccurate and vague
speech: noun
alt_words:
  - minoritised
  - or omit
---

the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole

## Issues

Minorities is not always accurate and is vague. As it deals with numbers, the term minorities can often be inaccurate, as is the case when speaking of communities of colour, who often outnumber white communities.

By referring to a group as 'minorities,' it can suggest the group hasn't taken initiative to show up, thereby blaming the oppressed for systemic issues that prevent their participation.

## Impact

By repeatedly referring to groups as "minorities," they are being infantised to their numerical representation and made to feel minor. The vagueness also abstracts the identify of the marginalised group, making it difficult to address why they are minoritised to begin with.

## Read also

- [minoritised](/definitions/minoritised)
- [overrepresented majority](/definitions/overrepresented-majority)
- [underrepresented minority](/definitions/underrepresented-minority)