Showing results for "disadvantaged"

• past participle of disadvantage.
• past tense form of disadvantage.

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

See Examples For:

disadvantaged

Telecoms companies in South Africa, including those with foreign investment, are required to provide 30 percent equity to historically disadvantaged groups -- a policy created to mitigate the legacy of racial inequality left by apartheid.

From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026

“And insiders, who are trading in their own stock all the time, will have the information. This takes an already-unlevel playing field where Main Street investors are already disadvantaged, and makes it more unlevel.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

Quarterback Salomon Georges Jr. said he transferred to TFA in early 2024 for his senior season from Leesburg High, a public school with many financially disadvantaged students northwest of Orlando.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026

Flying Start was originally aimed at disadvantaged areas but was gradually expanded to provide more childcare for two-year-olds.

From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2026

It was a wonderful accomplishment for a school where the background of many students was far more economically disadvantaged than that of students attending Permian.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

• deprived
• impaired
• impoverished
• poor
• underprivileged