relative deprivation

American  

noun

Sociology.

1. the perception of an unfair disparity between one's situation and that of others.

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Etymology

Origin of relative deprivation

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

It’s no longer about saving 50% to 70% of your income for decades, living in relative deprivation to stop working at 40, she said.

From Barron's • Jan. 10, 2026

But because it appeared everyone on television and in magazines was doing so well, relative deprivation — feeling the need to “keep up with the Joneses” — replaced common sense.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 12, 2024

The BBC's shared data unit looked at teacher vacancy data and statistics on relative deprivation in the UK.

From BBC • Sep. 5, 2017

The second thing I would add is how the internet helps to create a sense of relative deprivation.

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2017

Despite all that Adam Smith did to explicate the contributions of well-functioning markets, he was also deeply concerned about the incidence of poverty, illiteracy, relative deprivation that might remain despite a well-functioning market economy.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2010