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

But for years the federal government has sought to direct 10% of its transit funds to small Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, or DBEs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

Disadvantaged communities have been affected more than others in the areas near the Salton Sea, which has been shrinking for years, said the paper's co-leading author Eric Edwards.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2024

Low-income homeowners in eligible neighborhoods can apply to the Disadvantaged Communities — Single-family Affordable Solar Homes program for help buying solar panels, if funds are still available.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2023

Chief executive Vanessa Wilson said: "Disadvantaged students and the 'Covid generation' will lose out if this provision is reduced or lost."

From BBC • Jul. 16, 2023

At the national level, the organization launched the Committee on Computing and the Disadvantaged.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2021

Related Words

• deprived
• impaired
• impoverished
• poor
• underprivileged