underprivileged

American  

[uhn-der-priv-uh-lijd, -priv-lijd] / ˈʌn dərˈprɪv ə lɪdʒd, -ˈprɪv lɪdʒd /

adjective

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

   Synonyms:

   deprived, disadvantaged

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underprivileged British  

/ ˌʌndəˈprɪvɪlɪdʒd /

adjective

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

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Etymology

Origin of underprivileged

First recorded in 1920–25; under- + privileged

Explanation

Someone underprivileged doesn't have the advantages other people have. Underprivileged people usually live in poverty. A privilege is a right or an advantage, and people who are underprivileged lack such rights and advantages. Many times, this word is used as a synonym for poor. People often worry about underprivileged children who are living in poverty and may not have access to healthy food or good medical care. Underprivileged children often go to the worst schools too, which is another disadvantage.

Example Sentences

Underprivileged students are studying, rehearsing, dancing, painting and having lunch with middle-class or wealthy ones; each group learns from the other.

From New York Times • Aug. 1, 2017

In the world of the Golden Fleece Debating Society and the Underprivileged Local Children subcommittee of the Good Samaritan Confraternity, this had created no problems.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles

Related Words

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