disadvantaged

[dis-uhd-van-tijd]

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

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

/ ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒd /

adjective

1. socially or economically deprived or discriminated against

Other Word Forms

• disadvantagedness noun
• nondisadvantaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disadvantaged¹

First recorded in 1930–35; disadvantage + -ed ²

Example Sentences

But there is still a "disproportionate" number of disadvantaged children, he said, particularly pupils with special educational needs and disabilities missing their lessons too often.

Read more on BBC

Butlins said no customers were disadvantaged by the extension of the sale window.

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The Fed’s rules and regulations have systematically disadvantaged small and medium-size banks, which has slowed the flow of credit to the real economy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Researchers also reported that the likelihood of developing diabetes or prediabetes is even higher for Hispanic and Black individuals living in economically disadvantaged settings, along with people who already have underlying health problems.

Read more on Science Daily

Sub-categorisation aims to divide broader caste groups into smaller ones so the most disadvantaged among them receive a fair share of quotas and benefits.

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Related Words

• deprived 
• impaired 
• impoverished 
• poor 
• underprivileged