UNDERCLASS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does underclass mean? 

• UNDERCLASS (noun)
  The noun UNDERCLASS has 1 sense:

1. the social class lowest in the social hierarchy

  Familiarity information: UNDERCLASS used as a noun is very rare.

• UNDERCLASS (adjective)
  The adjective UNDERCLASS has 1 sense:

1. belonging to the lowest and least privileged social stratum

  Familiarity information: UNDERCLASS used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNDERCLASS (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The social class lowest in the social hierarchy

Classified under:

Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects

Synonyms:

lower class; underclass

Hypernyms ("underclass" is a kind of...):

class; social class; socio-economic class; stratum (people having the same social, economic, or educational status)

• UNDERCLASS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Belonging to the lowest and least privileged social stratum

Context example:

underclass mothers and children

Similar:

underprivileged (lacking the rights and advantages of other members of society)