Marginalise: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used in social and political discussions to describe the act of pushing a group of people to the edges of society, where they have minimal power or influence. It is generally used in contexts where certain communities or minorities are being ignored or underrepresented.

• The new policies will further marginalise immigrants in the country.
• Activists are fighting against laws that marginalise the LGBTQ+ community.

This word is often used in everyday and formal contexts to indicate the act of deliberately not including someone or something. Exclusion can be physical, social, or conceptual.

• She felt excluded from the group activities.
• The report excludes data from smaller studies.

This word is commonly used in political contexts to describe the act of depriving someone of their right to vote or other rights. It emphasizes the loss of legal rights or privileges, often affecting voters or minority groups.

• Many citizens were disenfranchised due to the restrictive voting laws.
• The regime's tactics to disenfranchise certain groups led to widespread protests.

This term is used in both casual and formal contexts to express a lack of attention or concern for something or someone. It can imply neglect or a deliberate decision to ignore.

• He showed complete disregard for the safety guidelines.
• Her complaints were disregarded by the management.

This word is generally used to describe the failure to care for or give attention to someone or something, often resulting in negative consequences. It can be used in personal, social, or legal contexts.

• The garden was neglected for years and became overgrown.
• The child's basic needs were neglected by his parents.

This term is often used in social contexts to describe the act of deliberately excluding someone from a group or society. It has a strong negative connotation and implies a social punishment.

• They ostracized him after he made a controversial statement.
• In ancient Greece, citizens could be ostracized for ten years.

Use when describing the process of making a group or individual feel insignificant or less important within a society or community.

• The new policy tends to marginalise small business owners.
• She felt marginalised after being excluded from the decision-making process.

Describes situations where people are forced to leave their homes or positions, often due to external forces like war, natural disasters, or political actions.

• Thousands of residents were displaced after the hurricane.
• The project displaced many long-time employees.

Best used when someone or something is denied access to something they need or desire.

• The war deprived many families of basic necessities.
• Children should not be deprived of an education.

This term is used to describe the action of making someone or a group very poor, both financially and in terms of quality of life.

• The economic crisis continues to impoverish the rural areas.
• Environmental degradation can impoverish entire communities.

Has a negative connotation and is used when one group or person dominates or controls another forcefully.

• The dictator aimed to subjugate the neighboring countries.
• Throughout history, many leaders have tried to subjugate other nations.

Used to describe the act of weakening or damaging something or someone, often secretly or gradually.

• His comments were intended to undermine her authority.
• Continuous stress can undermine your health.