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

Thursday’s announcement, however, brought a renewed sense of hope for accountability and oversight, for Altadena as well as other disadvantaged communities that may soon face climate-related emergencies.

From Los Angeles Times

“The structure of the German system suggests diagnostic providers will be disadvantaged,” UBS says.

From The Wall Street Journal

About half of them come from disadvantaged backgrounds, including some who are carers and some with refugee status.

From BBC

"I don't feel disadvantaged," said the retired baker, adding that three of her four children were Estonian citizens.

From Barron's

George and Lauren have both been impacted by rising delays to Access to Work, a government scheme providing resources like equipment and support staff to ensure disabled workers are not disadvantaged at work.

From BBC

Related Words

• deprived
• impaired
• impoverished
• poor
• underprivileged