microacrsion
Describing subtle, indirect, or unintentional actions or comments that communicate bias or hostility toward marginalized groups. It characterizes behaviors that, while seemingly minor, contribute to a pervasive environment of exclusion and psychological distress.
Examples
3 of 5Her microacrsion comment about his name made the rest of the meeting incredibly awkward.
Her subtle biased remark about his name made the remainder of the meeting very uncomfortable.
The institution is implementing training to reduce microacrsion tendencies among the faculty members.
The organization is starting training to lower the subtle discriminatory habits among the teachers.
I'm tired of his microacrsion jokes that he tries to pass off as harmless humor.
I am exhausted by his subtly offensive jokes that he pretends are innocent fun.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'micro' (small) and 'acrsion' as a mix of 'action' and 'abrasion'—a small action that causes a sore spot over time.
Quick Quiz
The candidate felt that the interviewer's ______ questions about her 'exotic' background were inappropriate.
Correct!
The correct answer is: microacrsion
Examples
Her microacrsion comment about his name made the rest of the meeting incredibly awkward.
everydayHer subtle biased remark about his name made the remainder of the meeting very uncomfortable.
The institution is implementing training to reduce microacrsion tendencies among the faculty members.
formalThe organization is starting training to lower the subtle discriminatory habits among the teachers.
I'm tired of his microacrsion jokes that he tries to pass off as harmless humor.
informalI am exhausted by his subtly offensive jokes that he pretends are innocent fun.
Research indicates that microacrsion interactions in clinical settings can negatively affect patient outcomes.
academicStudies show that subtle biased interactions in medical environments can harm patient health results.
The HR department has flagged several microacrsion patterns in the latest employee feedback survey.
businessThe human resources office identified several subtle exclusionary patterns in the recent staff survey.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
death by a thousand microacrsions
the cumulative crushing effect of many small, subtle insults
calling out microacrsion
identifying and challenging a subtle act of bias as it happens
microacrsion awareness
the state of being conscious of how small actions can exclude others
Often Confused With
Macroaggressions are overt, large-scale acts of prejudice, while microacrsion is subtle and often covert.
Micro-abrasion refers to a physical process of wearing away a surface, unrelated to social interactions.
Usage Notes
Use this word specifically to describe behaviors or environments that feel exclusionary in a subtle way. It is most effective when describing the 'impact' of a statement rather than the 'intent' of the speaker.
Common Mistakes
Learners often treat this word as a noun because of the -ion suffix; remember that in this test-specific context, it functions as an adjective modifying a noun.
Memory Tip
Think of 'micro' (small) and 'acrsion' as a mix of 'action' and 'abrasion'—a small action that causes a sore spot over time.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'mikros' (small) combined with a variation of the Latin 'aggredi' (to step toward or attack).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
This term is central to modern Western discussions regarding social justice, workplace culture, and identity politics.
Quick Quiz
The candidate felt that the interviewer's ______ questions about her 'exotic' background were inappropriate.
Correct!
The correct answer is: microacrsion
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free