underclass
noun
un·der·class
ˈən-dər-ˌklas 
: the lowest social stratum usually made up of disadvantaged minority groups
Examples of underclass in a Sentence
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Implementation of the order would create a permanent underclass of stateless individuals born in the United States who would be denied fundamental rights and services, including passports, Social Security cards, and access to federal programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
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Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Over time, that would mean creating a permanent underclass that grows with every generation.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026
The skills that could lift you out of the new permanent underclass are not the skills that mattered before.
—Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Low-wage jobs are creating a permanent underclass of families who deserve better.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
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Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Over time, that would mean creating a permanent underclass that grows with every generation.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026
The skills that could lift you out of the new permanent underclass are not the skills that mattered before.
—Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Low-wage jobs are creating a permanent underclass of families who deserve better.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underclass
Cite this Entry
“Underclass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underclass. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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