lowest rung of society

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lowest rung of society" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or groups that occupy the least privileged or most disadvantaged position within a social hierarchy. Example: "Many people living in poverty often feel they are on the lowest rung of society, struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The lowest rung of society would be higher.

The New York Times

"We have sweepers, plumbers and people at the lowest rung of society connected to our cable line," said Rinzy Dorji (who is not related to Kinley), sitting at his desk in the office of Sigma Cable.

The New York Times - Arts

Most of those converts had been low-caste Hindus, kept at the lowest rung of society by virtue of their birth and would have converted to escape the fate destined for them within the caste system.

BBC

While there's a different discussion to be had perhaps about the fairness of mercilessly critiquing celebrities (who are also real people), for what they wear to an event, it's a very different discussion than whether it's fair, right or appropriate to target women who are victims of extreme forms of violence and who are considered on the very lowest rung of society.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Some Indians in Malaysia are very rich, but a majority have not been able to move up from the lowest rungs of society.

The New York Times

But if the state isn't concerned with the uplift of those on the lowest rungs of society, how does it view them?

The Guardian - Opinion

He is also a champion of Liao Yiwu, a Chinese writer who has made a literary form out of interviewing Chinese dissidents from the lowest rungs of society.He does not miss American creative writing so much.

The Economist

What amazed me most were the huge crowds of Venezuelans, above all women from the lowest rungs of society, who were ardently — and melodramatically — devoted to the cult of his personality.

The New Yorker

What amazed me most were the huge crowds of Venezuelans, above all women from the lowest rungs of society, who were ardently and melodramatically devoted to the cult of his personality.

The New Yorker

Haitian immigrants occupy the lowest rungs of society here, and have for generations, living in urban slums or squalid sugar plantation camps where wage abuse remains common, as a United States Department of Labor report found last month.

The New York Times

But Ibrahim Mogra, a nationally prominent imam, indignantly defends Tablighi as a "movement which can take people from the lowest rungs of society and turn them into shining jewels".At the Anglican bishop's residence this week, representatives of all faiths, and the police, gathered for one of the meetings they have held every six weeks since the terror attacks of September 2001.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "lowest rung of society", ensure the context clearly defines the specific criteria (economic, social, etc.) that place individuals or groups in this position.

Common error

Avoid using "lowest rung of society" as a blanket term for all disadvantaged groups. Be specific about the challenges and circumstances that define their position to avoid generalizations and stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lowest rung of society" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lowest rung of society" effectively describes the most disadvantaged segment of a population, encompassing economic, social, and political marginalization. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While alternatives like "bottom of the social ladder" and "most marginalized members of society" offer similar meanings, "lowest rung" paints a vivid picture of hierarchical disadvantage. When using this phrase, clarity and sensitivity are key to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, highlighting its role in public discourse about inequality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bottom of the social ladder

This alternative emphasizes the hierarchical aspect of society, similar to "lowest rung".

most marginalized members of society

This alternative focuses on the marginalization experienced by those in the lowest position.

least privileged in society

This phrase highlights the lack of privilege experienced by the group in question.

underclass

A more concise term that directly refers to the lowest socioeconomic class.

most disadvantaged sector of society

This alternative emphasizes the disadvantages faced by this group.

those at the bottom of the pile

This alternative uses a more informal and visual metaphor to express the concept.

the most vulnerable in society

Focuses on the vulnerability and lack of protection afforded to those at the "lowest rung".

grassroots level of society

Implies a foundational, often overlooked position within society.

those with the fewest opportunities

Highlights the lack of opportunities available to individuals in this position.

the most impoverished members of society

Highlights the poverty experienced by individuals in this position.

FAQs

How can I use "lowest rung of society" in a sentence?

You can use "lowest rung of society" to describe groups or individuals facing significant social or economic disadvantages. For example, "Government programs should focus on uplifting those on the "lowest rung of society" through education and job training."

What are some alternatives to "lowest rung of society"?

Alternatives include "bottom of the social ladder", "most marginalized members of society", or "least privileged in society", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "lowest rung of society" a biased or offensive term?

The term "lowest rung of society" itself is not inherently offensive, but it's crucial to use it with sensitivity and awareness of the social and economic factors that contribute to disparities. Avoid using it in a dehumanizing or dismissive manner.

What is the difference between "lowest rung of society" and "working class"?

"Lowest rung of society" typically refers to individuals facing significant economic hardship and social exclusion, while "working class" describes people employed in manual or industrial labor, often with lower incomes but not necessarily experiencing the same level of deprivation.