underclass

/ˈʌndərˌklæs/
noun
  1. The lowest social or economic class in a society, often consisting of people who are poor, unemployed, or marginalized.
    • Economic inequality has created a growing underclass in several countries.
    • Many novels explore the struggles of the underclass in big cities.
    • The government's new program aims to help the underclass find stable jobs.
  2. A group of people who are disadvantaged or excluded from mainstream opportunities.
    • The digital divide has created an underclass of people without internet skills.
    • Efforts to lift the underclass require both social and economic reforms.
    • Without access to education, many remain trapped in an underclass.
What does "underclass" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean