disadvantaged

adjective

dis·​ad·​van·​taged ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tijd How to pronounce disadvantaged (audio)
: 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 noun

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 examples identify ways to protect the environment, better serve disadvantaged communities, support alternative transportation, and improve the safety of citizens. IEEE Spectrum, 4 June 2024 Among the dire findings highlighted in the report: Nearly half of Michigan students of color and two-thirds of all Black students attended schools in districts with high concentrations of poverty, where 73% or more of the students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Lori Higgins, Detroit Free Press, 15 May 2024 It’s meant to tackle two problems at once: The dire need for more health care workers and challenges faced by economically disadvantaged county residents trying to enter or advance in the workforce. Angela Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 3 May 2024 If the 14th Amendment is found to guarantee equity – or trying to create equal outcomes for all by favoring historically disadvantaged groups – this supports the argument that affirmative action policies are constitutionally sound, and perhaps even required in public institutions. Morgan Marietta, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2022 See all Example Sentences for disadvantaged 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disadvantaged.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disadvantaged was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near disadvantaged

Cite this Entry

“Disadvantaged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disadvantaged. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!