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

“Delays only hurt vulnerable patients and their families, foster fraud and cause problems for legitimate operators that provide essential services, especially in rural and disadvantaged communities,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

“We’ve become disadvantaged pretty significantly,” said Jeff Lehman, North America president for Norsk Hydro’s aluminum extrusion business.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

He says he believes the system has improved access to university for disadvantaged students, and that it's a "pet peeve" to hear discussions of it being a "crippling loan", or like a mortgage.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

They argued that commissioners didn’t properly take into consideration the benefits to disadvantaged communities and customers of having local energy generation.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

They make the same mistake I made as a boy, when I thought a disadvantaged life was circumscribed by particular occupations.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

Related Words

• deprived
• impaired
• impoverished
• poor
• underprivileged