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

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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

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Other Word Forms

• disadvantagedness
  noun
• nondisadvantaged
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of disadvantaged

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

Example Sentences

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

“We’ve become disadvantaged pretty significantly,” said Jeff Lehman, North America president for Norsk Hydro’s aluminum extrusion business.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

He says he believes the system has improved access to university for disadvantaged students, and that it's a "pet peeve" to hear discussions of it being a "crippling loan", or like a mortgage.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Or should we encourage disadvantaged groups to struggle for equality through collective action?

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• deprived
• impaired
• impoverished
• poor
• underprivileged