Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
underclass
noun
/ˈʌndərˌklas/
Definition
A social group that is at the bottom of the social hierarchy and is often characterized by poverty and lack of access to education or employment opportunities.
Examples
- The underclass in the city struggles to find stable jobs.
- Many policies aim to support the underclass through education programs.
- Social scientists study the effects of poverty on the underclass.
Meaning
The term refers to people who are economically disadvantaged and have limited social mobility, often struggling to improve their living conditions.
Synonyms
- lower class
- working poor
- disadvantaged group
