non-elite

adjective

ˌnän-ā-ˈlēt How to pronounce non-elite (audio)
-i-, 
-ē-
: not elite
non-elite athletes
a non-elite college
non-elite noun
Within nations there exist hierarchies of minorities of elites (those who control resources and institutions) and large majorities of non-elites (ordinary citizens, who are poorer and less powerful). —John A. Booth et al.

Examples of non-elite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Vulnerable groups include non-elite university students and those in inland regions, whose traditional roles are most impacted. — Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 However, elites’ DNA contained genetic similarities known as runs of homozygosity — adjacent genetic markers indicating common ancestry — and their genomes tended to be more homogenous than those of non-elites. — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 By jumping into man-to-man phases as their opponents were looking to consolidate possession, the non-elite sides now had a fighting chance of pulling their talent-heavy opponents down to their level. — Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 27 May 2026 While many runners at her level gravitate toward elite training groups, Del Giudice has spent nearly a decade coached by Kelly Fillnow, a former professional triathlete and fellow Davidson graduate who primarily trains non-elites. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for non-elite

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of non-elite was in 1937

Rhymes for non-elite

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Browse Nearby Words

nonelementary
non-elite
nonemergency
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Non-elite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/non-elite. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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