non-elite

adjective

ˌnän-ā-ˈlēt 

-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

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

In many cases, the best student at a non-elite school will outperform the median student at MIT. — Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for non-elite

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite