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
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
Sherman details the creativity with which non-elite men redefine the provider role when family-sustaining jobs disappear.
—Joan C. Williams
june 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025
While this change was originally a response to logistical disruptions during COVID-19, many elite and non-elite schools alike have extended these policies indefinitely.
—Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
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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
Sherman details the creativity with which non-elite men redefine the provider role when family-sustaining jobs disappear.
—Joan C. Williams
june 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025
While this change was originally a response to logistical disruptions during COVID-19, many elite and non-elite schools alike have extended these policies indefinitely.
—Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Non-elite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/non-elite. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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