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

• depressed
• deprived
• 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

Trump’s dismantling of the Education Department puts student loan services, civil rights enforcement and funding for disadvantaged students in limbo. —Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025

However, McMahon said the agency will still administer those statutory programs that students from disadvantaged backgrounds rely on. —Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025

Craig Hudson | Reuters The sudden cuts to the federal workforce under President Donald Trump will likely throw a curveball into the retirement plans of many Americans, including those from typically disadvantaged backgrounds like Black Americans. —Jesse Pound, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025

If found guilty, these men could face harsher punishments under Indian laws designed to protect disadvantaged castes. —Esha Mitra, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantaged

• the disadvantaged

Rhymes for disadvantaged

• advantaged