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

• 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

Those who dismissed intersectionality saw such policies as little more than allowing the disadvantaged to commit crimes without consequences to make up for past inequities, afflicting crime victims from the same disadvantaged communities. —John Scott Lewinski, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

The weakening labor market is especially challenging minorities and other disadvantaged groups who struggle when fewer jobs are available. —Paul Davidson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

Underserved and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, who are particularly lacking in primary care access, experience worse health outcomes and higher rates of preventable hospitalizations and emergency department visits. —Web Golinkin, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Pre-pandemic, 14% of economically disadvantaged third graders in Romulus scored advanced on the M-STEP reading test and 18% scored proficient. —Lily Altavena, Freep.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantaged

• the disadvantaged

Rhymes for disadvantaged

• advantaged