insignificant minority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insignificant minority" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to describe a group of people or situations that are not the majority and that do not have much influence. For example: "Although the protesters are a small, insignificant minority, their voices are still strong and clear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It is, clearly, one that attracts a small but not insignificant minority of the public.

The Guardian

Californians should reject the recall and repeal a law that would permit an insignificant minority to gain control of the state government.

The New York Times

But he falls into much the same pitfall when he calls a not insignificant minority of the science community "climate deniers" who deny facts.

The New York Times

General Musharraf did his best to play down the importance of the militants today, saying "an insignificant minority has held the entire nation hostage to their misconceived views of Islam".

The New York Times

• While the majority are in their early to mid-20s when they become radicalised, a small but not insignificant minority first become involved in violent extremism at over the age of 30.

The Guardian

Later, German news accounts will speak of high drama in the normally drowsy Bundestag, but Merkel's body language tells the story: the drama has been provided by an insignificant minority.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The only difference is that I will not have a sympathetic public by my side, just some insignificant minorities.

The Guardian

The empirical results show that foreign and state ownership are associated with a less likelihood of paying dividends, while other ownership variables (family involvement, domestic financial institutions and minority shareholders) are insignificant in affecting the probability of paying dividends.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

This suggests that one reason why the ATET conditioned on minority status is insignificant is not significant for all three measures is that colleges/universities have not fully exploited a pipeline of minority students who could earn and benefit from a baccalaureate degree.

International Journal of Anthropology and Ethnology

However, in the case of the extremist Islamic State, it is clear that Islamic conceptions of protected minorities are completely insignificant.

Huffington Post

The overall impact of these seemingly insignificant obstacles comes down disproportionately on minorities, just as the poll taxes did a century ago.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "insignificant minority", ensure the context clearly establishes what the majority view or group is. This provides a necessary contrast to understand the minority's position.

Common error

Avoid using "insignificant minority" to dismiss valid concerns or perspectives. While the group may be small, their issues may still warrant attention or consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insignificant minority" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used to describe a subset of a larger group that is both small in number and lacking in influence or importance. The examples show its use in various contexts, from political analysis to scientific discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insignificant minority" is a phrase used to describe a small group that lacks notable influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts, especially within news and media. While phrases like "small minority" and "negligible minority" offer similar meanings, it's crucial to use "insignificant minority" judiciously, avoiding any dismissive or condescending tone. When writing, provide clear context to show the contrast with a more dominant view or group. Keep in mind the phrase is neutral in register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconsequential minority

Replaces "insignificant" with "inconsequential", emphasizing the lack of importance or impact.

negligible minority

Uses "negligible" to highlight that the minority is so small it can be disregarded.

small minority

Simplifies the phrase by removing "insignificant", focusing solely on the size of the group.

minuscule minority

Emphasizes the extremely small size of the minority.

trivial minority

Replaces "insignificant" with "trivial", suggesting the minority is unimportant or of little value.

unimportant minority

Directly states that the minority lacks importance.

marginal minority

Suggests the minority exists on the fringes and has little influence.

slim minority

Describes the minority as being very small or thin in number.

minor minority

Emphasizes the smallness of the minority by using a similar word.

irrelevant minority

Focuses on the lack of relevance or connection of the minority to the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "insignificant minority" in a sentence?

You can use "insignificant minority" to describe a small group whose impact or influence is minimal, such as: "Although the protesters were an "insignificant minority", their cause gained traction online".

What are some alternatives to saying "insignificant minority"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "small minority", "negligible minority", or "inconsequential minority" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "insignificant minority" in formal writing?

Yes, "insignificant minority" is appropriate in formal writing, but be mindful of the tone. Ensure it doesn't come across as dismissive or condescending. It's crucial to maintain objectivity and respect, even when describing a group as insignificant.

What's the difference between "insignificant minority" and "small minority"?

"Small minority" simply refers to the size of the group. "Insignificant minority" implies that the group is not only small but also lacks importance or influence. Thus, "insignificant minority" carries a stronger connotation of unimportance compared to small minority.