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

Good Shepherd in Wolverhampton supports vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the city, from rough sleepers to families living in supported accommodation.

From BBC

They added: "The latest data shows childcare capacity is continuing to grow, and our new school-based nurseries and government-funded childcare expansion are already playing a vital role in supporting families in more disadvantaged communities."

From BBC

Elba, known for his roles in hit TV series "The Wire" and "Luther", was knighted for services to young people, having founded an international charity that helps support disadvantaged youngsters.

From Barron's

This uncomfortably hilarious and cutting dramedy from Simón Mesa Soto addresses both artistic failure and how often creative fields expect voices from disadvantaged backgrounds to exploit their trauma for the edification of the bourgeoisie.

From Los Angeles Times

The report listed North East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands as facing "enduring disadvantages", while former mining areas in Wales and Scotland are also "notably disadvantaged".

From BBC

Related Words

• deprived
• impaired
• impoverished
• poor
• underprivileged