underprivileged

[uhn-der-priv-uh-lijd, -priv-lijd]

adjective

1. denied the enjoyment of the normal privileges or rights of a society because of low economic and social status.

   Synonyms: deprived, disadvantaged

underprivileged

/ ˌʌndəˈprɪvɪlɪdʒd /

adjective

1. lacking the rights and advantages of other members of society; deprived

Word History and Origins

Origin of underprivileged¹

First recorded in 1920–25; under- + privileged

Example Sentences

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."

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Richard’s family was Orthodox Jewish, from Lithuania, and though the Baltimores in America were not overtly religious, the family communicated a moral code that influenced their son’s concern for the underprivileged.

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These kids come out of underprivileged, inner-city areas, and I’m just wasting my time if I haven’t put something of substance into their lives.”

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Mr Coyle set up a sporting foundation when he retired from boxing in 2019 and has led a number of initiatives for underprivileged children, including a mobile boxing gym.

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We later spoke to one man who said he was happy to have left this remote, underprivileged existence.

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Related Words

• depressed 
• deprived 
• destitute 
• disadvantaged 
• impoverished 
• indigent 
• needy