disadvantaged

[ dis-uhd-van-tijd ]

adjective

1. lacking the normal or usual necessities and comforts of life, as proper housing, educational opportunities, job security, adequate medical care, etc.:

   The government extends help to disadvantaged minorities.

   Synonyms: deprived, impoverished, underprivileged, poor

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. Usually the disadvantaged. disadvantaged persons collectively:

   The senator advocates increased funding for federal programs that aid the disadvantaged.

disadvantaged

/ ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒd /

adjective

1. socially or economically deprived or discriminated against

Other Words From

• dis·ad·van·taged·ness noun
• non·dis·ad·van·taged adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disadvantaged¹

First recorded in 1930–35; disadvantage + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Then they examined six broad socially disadvantaged groups in India.

From BBC

Children in Need is the BBC's charity for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

From BBC

While roughly 18% of New Zealand's population consider themselves to be Māori, according to the most recent census, many remain disadvantaged compared with the general population when assessed through markers such as health outcomes, household income, education levels and incarceration and mortality rates.

From BBC

"We've seen an increase in the numbers of students from disadvantaged backgrounds going to universities," he added.

From BBC

Children in Need is the BBC's charity for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

From BBC

Related Words

• deprived
• impaired
• impoverished
• poor
• underprivileged