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

The math professor argued that the SAT push was in aid of disadvantaged students.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

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

The BBC analysis also showed disadvantaged girls from some other ethnic backgrounds performed significantly better, with 64% of girls from low-income Asian homes achieving a pass in English and maths in 2025.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

I wrote: ‘I cannot claim to represent socially disadvantaged Mexican-Americans. The very fact that I am in a position to apply for this job should make that clear.’

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

Related Words

• deprived
• impaired
• impoverished
• poor
• underprivileged