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underprivileged

American  
[uhn-der-priv-uh-lijd, -priv-lijd] / ˈʌn dərˈprɪv ə lɪdʒd, -ˈprɪv lɪdʒd /

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 British  
/ ˌʌndəˈprɪvɪlɪdʒd /

adjective

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of underprivileged

First recorded in 1920–25; under- + privileged

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The American system of philanthropy is partly responsible for museums, hospitals, schools and relief for the country’s underprivileged.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

HHS has broad spending oversight for programs for the underprivileged, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, early education of toddlers and foster care.

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

Donald also founded the AD99 Solutions Foundation, which provides Pittsburgh’s underprivileged youth access to education, nutrition and community involvement.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025

They threaten services that benefit the underprivileged and vulnerable.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2025

Corporal Whitcomb, an atheist, was a disgruntled subordinate who felt he could do the chaplain’s job much better than the chaplain was doing it and viewed himself, therefore, as an underprivileged victim of social inequity.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.