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.
John A. Booth et al.
Examples of non-elite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Civic organizations and community groups, whether ethnic or national minorities, labor, indigenous, youth, women, and other non-elite social groups, have very little or no access to technologies needed for the production and dissemination of mass communication.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Apr. 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
If the objective is true diversity of thought, boards might broaden their skills matrices to consider additional dimensions: generational cohort, frontline operating experience, entrepreneurial background, international market leadership, digital-native fluency, and non-elite educational pathways.
—Betsy Atkins, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
The price point for premium soccer shoes is in the $200 range, while the average suggested selling price for the non-elite category is around $140.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
Other studies of non-elite runners have found that faster runners tend to finish races more dehydrated than slower runners, contrary to the idea that dehydration slows you down.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 8 Jan. 2026
Since the pandemic, traditional college enrollment has fallen, particularly at community colleges and non-elite four-year institutions.
—Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Even for non-elites, perks will be available just for participating.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
But these stereotypes still hold tremendous power for both elite and non-elite men.
—Joan C. Williams
june 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025
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Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Apr. 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
If the objective is true diversity of thought, boards might broaden their skills matrices to consider additional dimensions: generational cohort, frontline operating experience, entrepreneurial background, international market leadership, digital-native fluency, and non-elite educational pathways.
—Betsy Atkins, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
The price point for premium soccer shoes is in the $200 range, while the average suggested selling price for the non-elite category is around $140.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
Other studies of non-elite runners have found that faster runners tend to finish races more dehydrated than slower runners, contrary to the idea that dehydration slows you down.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 8 Jan. 2026
Since the pandemic, traditional college enrollment has fallen, particularly at community colleges and non-elite four-year institutions.
—Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Even for non-elites, perks will be available just for participating.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
But these stereotypes still hold tremendous power for both elite and non-elite men.
—Joan C. Williams
june 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Non-elite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/non-elite. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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