IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
marginalise
verb/ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪz/Band 9
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“marginalise” is a Band 9 verb that means to treat a person or group as insignificant or push them to the edge of society. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
To treat a person or group as insignificant or push them to the edge of society.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “The policy risks marginalising vulnerable groups.”
- “Minorities are often marginalised in the media.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
excludesidelineisolate
Antonyms
includeembrace
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
marginalised groupsmarginalised communitiessocially marginalised
Common phrases
pushed to the margins
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “marginalise” mean?
To treat a person or group as insignificant or push them to the edge of society.
How do you use “marginalise” in a sentence?
For example: “The policy risks marginalising vulnerable groups.”
What are some synonyms for “marginalise”?
Synonyms include exclude, sideline, isolate.
Is “marginalise” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 9 vocabulary, and collocations such as marginalised groups, marginalised communities, socially marginalised help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
Next step
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