A minority government refers to a government formed when a political party wins the largest number of seats in an election but does not achieve an outright majority. This often results in a government that must rely on the support of other parties to pass legislation, typically through informal or formal agreements. Minority governments can lead to instability and challenges in decision-making, as they may need to negotiate constantly with other parties. However, they can also allow for broader representation and cooperation among various political groups within the legislature.