dispossessed

[dis-puh-zest]

adjective

1. evicted, as from a dwelling, land, etc.; ousted.

2. without property, status, etc., as wandering or displaced persons; rootless; disfranchised.

3. having suffered the loss of expectations, prospects, relationships, etc.; disinherited; disaffiliated; alienated.

   The modern city dweller may feel spiritually dispossessed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispossessed¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; dispossess + -ed ²

Example Sentences

He believes that those at the heart of the protests were the "dispossessed".

From BBC

He has spent a decade organizing among the poor and dispossessed, including with the Kairos Center and the Poor People’s Campaign.

From Salon

But he was unique among the Democrats in speaking directly to the disaffected and dispossessed middle class.

From Los Angeles Times

Those who protest are dispossessed of their property, even their land.

From Salon

He posted on X: "The Holy Father dedicated his life to serving the poor and dispossessed. "

From BBC

Related Words

• destitute 
• disadvantaged 
• needy 
• underprivileged