disadvantaged

adjective

dis·​ad·​van·​taged ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tijd 

: lacking in the basic resources or conditions (such as standard housing, medical and educational facilities, and civil rights) believed to be necessary for an equal position in society

disadvantagedness

ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tijd-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of disadvantaged

• deprived
• impoverished
• depressed
• underprivileged

Examples of disadvantaged in a Sentence

The program provides aid for economically disadvantaged groups.

disadvantaged families struggling to get by will be benefited by changes in the tax code

Recent Examples on the Web

The poll suggests that few men see themselves as disadvantaged compared to women in the workplace. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026

Still, Democrats remain dead set against giving minorities and other disadvantaged groups a way out of the failing schools their children are being forced to attend. —Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 2026

Such programs are often viewed as critical for new and historically disadvantaged farmers seeking to enter or expand in agriculture, where land ownership remains a major barrier to wealth-building. —Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 24 Mar. 2026

The nonprofit, Unity 37, supports middle school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. —Noah Alcala Bach, San Antonio Express-News, 22 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantaged

• the disadvantaged

Rhymes for disadvantaged

• advantaged