underprivileged

[ uhn-der-priv-uh-lijd, -priv-lijd ]

adjective

1. denied the enjoyment of the normal privileges or rights of a society because of low economic and social status.

   Synonyms: deprived, disadvantaged

underprivileged

/ ˌʌndəˈprɪvɪlɪdʒd /

adjective

1. lacking the rights and advantages of other members of society; deprived

Word History and Origins

Origin of underprivileged¹

First recorded in 1920–25; under- + privileged

Example Sentences

His lifelong dedication to helping underprivileged and at-risk children was at least as responsible for his enshrinement and for the many humanitarian awards he received.

From Los Angeles Times

In a 2017 essay in the New York Times, Vance wrote about identifying parts of himself in former Presidents Clinton and Obama, who also grew up in underprivileged environments, largely raised by their grandparents.

From Los Angeles Times

“It gave me unbelievable drive,” he says of the underprivileged circumstances in which he was raised by a single mom, a onetime aspiring actor who worked as a nightclub promoter in the 1980s London scene.

From Los Angeles Times

Coming from an underprivileged background, Borja feels limited by a life with seemingly little opportunity, and goes along with his family's wishes to begin with.

From BBC

Half of the seats are reserved for underprivileged students.

From BBC

Related Words

• depressed
• deprived
• destitute
• disadvantaged
• impoverished
• indigent
• needy