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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a searing rebuttal days before the British socialite was convicted for procuring victims for Epstein’s abuse in December 2021, Comey spoke to the perverted duo’s reasons for targeting teens from disadvantaged backgrounds. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 17 July 2025 At least 40% of the money would be prioritized for disadvantaged communities, which suffer disproportionately from pollution and other environmental harms. Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025 That's when a nonprofit called Instruments for Education — which puts musical instruments in schools serving disadvantaged kids — decided to step in. The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Building on a legacy that has raised over $2.75 million since 2005, the Bro-Am events continue to support nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering disadvantaged youth through programs focused on fundamental needs, as well as music, art, and surfing. Encinitas Advocate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for disadvantaged

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disadvantaged was in 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Disadvantaged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disadvantaged. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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