disadvantaged

American  

[dis-uhd-van-tijd] / ˌdɪs ədˈvæn tɪdʒd /

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 British  

/ ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒd /

adjective

1. socially or economically deprived or discriminated against

---

Other Word Forms

• disadvantagedness
  noun
• nondisadvantaged
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of disadvantaged

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

Example Sentences

She also framed DEI as the viewpoint “that the exclusion of historically disadvantaged groups is undesirable.”

From Slate • May 14, 2026

Ross also highlighted how small grocers are even further disadvantaged when compared to retailers that are not strictly grocers, like Walmart or Target, which can offset low margins on food with other, high-profit-margin goods.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

“Delays only hurt vulnerable patients and their families, foster fraud and cause problems for legitimate operators that provide essential services, especially in rural and disadvantaged communities,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Advocates say DEI counters implicit bias that holds back historically disadvantaged groups, helps companies better relate to their customers and unlocks hidden talent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

The University of Michigan law school, like many elite US educational institutions, uses a policy of affirmative action when it comes to applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• deprived
• impaired
• impoverished
• poor
• underprivileged