stepchild

[step-chahyld]

noun

plural

stepchildren 

1. a child of one's spouse by a previous marriage.

2. any person, organization, affiliate, project, etc., that is not properly treated, supported, or appreciated.

   This agency is the stepchild when appropriations are handed out.

stepchild

/ ˈstɛpˌtʃaɪld /

noun

1. a stepson or stepdaughter

Word History and Origins

Origin of stepchild¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English stēopcild. See step-, child

Example Sentences

He is survived by his daughter, Victoria, from his first marriage; four stepchildren from his fourth marriage, all of whom called him Dad; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

From Los Angeles Times

Loe is survived by six stepchildren in addition to her daughter, according to the Guardian.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Gupta said most people don't think about the service sector during a period of uncertainty, calling it the "unloved stepchild" of the economy.

From BBC

In other words, where someone had abused their own child or stepchild.

From BBC

The Lakers are not the prima donnas they used to be and the Clippers are not the stepchild they used to be.

From Los Angeles Times