underclass
Translation
underclass
Examples
The government created programs to help the underclass.
The government created programmes to help the underclass.
He wrote a book about the urban underclass.
He wrote a book about the urban underclass.
Grammar Patterns
the underclass a social class consisting of the poorest people The urban underclass faces many challenges.
Similar Words
Synonyms: lower class, proletariat; Antonyms: upper class, elite
Etymology
From the prefix 'under' (below) and 'class' (social rank). It literally means 'below the classes'.
Memory Tips
Picture a social pyramid. The 'underclass' is the group 'under' the main social 'classes'.