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

Biden praised Jackson’s determination and commitment to social justice, while Clinton recalled Jackson as someone who pushed political leaders to address inequality and expand opportunity for disadvantaged communities.

From Salon

His most acclaimed, the King’s Trust, which has helped 1.3 million disadvantaged young people learn skills and find employment, marks its 50th anniversary this May.

From The Wall Street Journal

Katie, who lives in London, applied for the job of delivering the government's presentations a decade ago because she wanted to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds go to university.

From BBC

She said she understood her landlord's thinking, but felt she was seriously disadvantaged as a single mum-of-three with a solitary income.

From BBC

Politicians on prime-time shows in Portugal and Spain earnestly debate how to ensure that locals aren’t disadvantaged by the new wave of foreign residents.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• deprived
• impaired
• impoverished
• poor
• underprivileged