stepchild

[ step-chahyld ]

noun

, plural step·child·ren.

1. a child of one's spouse by a previous marriage.
2. any person, organization, affiliate, project, etc., that is not properly treated, supported, or appreciated:

   This agency is the stepchild when appropriations are handed out.

stepchild

/ ˈstɛpˌtʃaɪld /

noun

1. a stepson or stepdaughter

Word History and Origins

Origin of stepchild¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English stēopcild. See step-, child

Example Sentences

The new proposals, which follow a review, maintain the stepchild rule, though NHS bosses insist no decisions have been made.

From BBC

Particularly when the refusal to admit that stepchildren “count” is perilously close to the suggestion that “having children” means “having your own biological children.”

From Los Angeles Times

Harris is a stepmother and refers to herself as “Momala,” while Bass has three adult stepchildren.

From Los Angeles Times

Not only will Harris’ Jewish husband, Doug Emhoff, be present with Harris’ stepchildren, but her sister, Maya, will probably be there with her children and grandchildren, too.

From Los Angeles Times

Calvert said earmarks are a key way to secure funding for the Inland Empire, which he said has been “kind of a stepchild” compared with California’s larger, urban areas.

From Los Angeles Times