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.
Molinar noted that there’s still work to do to close the gaps between the general student population and student groups such as students who are African American, Hispanic, economically disadvantaged or learning English. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025 Scoring for the loans favors disadvantaged census tracks and prioritizes projects with the greatest public health impact and need, including a prevalence of schools, hospitals and senior communities. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025 Many people also send donations to or place qurbani orders in Muslim countries to feed disadvantaged people. Monica Haider, CNN Money, 6 June 2025 Revenue from these fees would be used to help pay for zero-emission appliances, especially in disadvantaged communities, according to the air district. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 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 4 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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