What does marginalise mean?
Marginalise means to make a person, group, issue, or point of view seem unimportant, peripheral, or outside the main centre of attention. In social and political contexts, it often describes how institutions can exclude certain communities from decision-making, representation, or access to opportunities. The word carries a critical connotation: something is marginalised not simply because it is unimportant, but because dominant groups or institutions may fail to notice, include, or give meaningful attention to it. It can also be used more neutrally to describe making a concern or subject less central. Although the word is frequently discussed in relation to inequality and exclusion, it applies to any process that pushes a person, perspective, or issue toward the margins. Its British spelling is “marginalise”; North American usage generally prefers “marginalize.”
verbTo treat a person, group, or idea as unimportant or peripheral, thereby excluding it from consideration, influence, or participation. It can also mean to make something marginal or less significant.
- To make a person, group, or issue peripheral and exclude it from meaningful influence, participation, or consideration.
- To reduce the importance, significance, or centrality of something.
"The policy risks marginalising small communities that lack access to the decision-making process."
"Years of unequal access had effectively marginalised rural voices in the national debate."
"The report was careful not to marginalise the interests of smaller employers."
To marginalise something is to push it to the edge of public life, where it may be ignored rather than openly rejected.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does marginalise come from?
The word is formed from “marginal,” meaning situated at or near an edge, together with the suffix “-ise.” “Marginal” comes through French from Latin “marginalis,” derived from “margo,” meaning edge or border. The use of “marginalise” to mean make peripheral or exclude from consideration developed during the 20th century, especially in social and political writing.
Related word forms
How marginalise is actually used
Common in formal and academic contexts, especially in discussions of politics, society, education, and media representation. It often implies a process in which people or perspectives are rendered less visible or influential.
Easily confused with marginalise
“Marginalise” is the standard British spelling, while “marginalize” is the standard North American spelling; both have the same meaning.