noun

pariah

puh-RY-uh

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Pariah (noun) means a person, group or country that everyone else rejects and refuses to associate with. Example: “After the scandal broke he became a pariah in his own industry.”

noun

A person, group or country that everyone else rejects and refuses to associate with.

"After the scandal broke he became a pariah in his own industry."

"Sanctions had turned the regime into an international pariah."

historical Historically, a member of a low caste in southern India, particularly in Tamil society.

"Colonial writers used the word pariah for a specific caste, not as a general insult."

How to use pariah

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone nobody wants anything to do with.

When to use it

Neutral to formal in modern English, common in journalism ('pariah state'). The original caste sense is now historical and treated as offensive if applied to people today.

Memory tip

Stress the second syllable: pa-RI-ah. It is not related to the fish piranha.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

piranha → pariah dog

Common pairings

social pariah pariah state become a pariah treated as a pariah

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

After the scandal broke he became a _____ in his own industry.

Etymology

From Tamil paṛaiyar, plural of paṛaiyan, literally 'drummer', the name of a low-caste group whose hereditary duty included beating the ceremonial drum (paṛai). Entered English through Portuguese and Anglo-Indian usage.

Origin: Tamil

Synonyms

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outcast untouchable leper persona non grata reject castaway Ishmael

Antonyms

favourite insider

Related words

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Rhymes for pariah

Uriah Isaiah Josiah Mariah messiah Jeremiah Jedediah

See all rhymes for pariah →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a pariah and an outcast?

They overlap heavily, but outcast simply means someone cast out of a group, while pariah carries a stronger sense of active shunning and disgust from everyone around them. A pariah is usually rejected because of something they did or represent; an outcast may simply not belong.

What is a pariah state?

A pariah state is a country that most other governments refuse to trade with, recognise or deal with diplomatically, usually because of its human rights record, aggression or weapons programme. The label is political rather than legal.

Is pariah an offensive word?

Used figuratively of a shunned person or country it is standard English and not offensive. Applying it to real people on the basis of caste is offensive, since it revives a discriminatory label.

What is the meaning of pariah?

"pariah" (noun) means a person, group or country that everyone else rejects and refuses to associate with.

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