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

Derived Forms

• disadvantagedness
  noun
• nondisadvantaged
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of disadvantaged

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

Example Sentences

The government said 400,000  students in disadvantaged schools in the UK will get AI and tech training to help them into further education, training and employment.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

In 2022, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology reinstated the SAT requirement, saying it helps determine applicants’ preparedness and identify promising students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

The math professor argued that the SAT push was in aid of disadvantaged students.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

She also framed DEI as the viewpoint “that the exclusion of historically disadvantaged groups is undesirable.”

From Slate • May 14, 2026

To work, however, not as leaders but in order that the socially disadvantaged could lead their own lives.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

Related Words

• deprived
• impaired
• impoverished
• poor
• underprivileged