1. the lowest social or economic class in society, especially those who are chronically unemployed or dependent on welfare
Usage: sociology
2. students in the first or second year of high school or college
Usage: education

Examples

• The politician promised programs to help lift the underclass out of poverty.
• Many members of the urban underclass lack access to quality education.
• Social workers focus on providing services to the underclass.
• The underclass students were excited about their first year at the university.
• Freshmen and sophomores make up the underclass at most high schools.
• The underclass dormitories were located on the lower floors of the building.