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 of disadvantaged

• 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

If court debt is concentrated in disadvantaged neighborhoods, policies that focus solely on individuals’ repayment may overlook broader impacts on the community’s housing stability, transportation and health. — Brian Lawton, The Conversation, 22 July 2026

Any undistributed funds will support college access for disadvantaged students. — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

His organization, Humus, had been hired by local philanthropist Maria Antonia Civita and her organization Verde Scola, a local after school program for disadvantaged kids that had turned into the hub of aid distribution after the landslides. — Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026

The city is prioritizing equitable access to chargers, specifically for residents of apartments and multifamily housing, disadvantaged and underserved communities, small businesses and publicly accessible locations, according to the city’s website. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantaged

• the disadvantaged

Rhymes for disadvantaged

• advantaged