underprivileged

adjective

un·​der·​priv·​i·​leged ˌən-dər-ˈpriv-lijd 

-ˈpri-və-

1

: deprived through social or economic condition of some of the fundamental rights of all members of a civilized society

2

: of or relating to underprivileged people

underprivileged areas of the city

Synonyms of underprivileged

• deprived
• disadvantaged
• impoverished
• poor
• depressed

Examples of underprivileged in a Sentence

an organization that distributes free books to underprivileged children

Recent Examples on the Web

Integrity Children's Fund is a nonprofit organization that aims to reduce illiteracy among Jamaican and immigrant children by providing educational resources to underprivileged schools, according to the organization's official website. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 18 May 2026

The term refers to a steepening deviation between upper and lower economic classes, popularized after the Covid-19 pandemic disproportionately hit underprivileged groups. —Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 12 May 2026

Outside of work, Christides teaches yoga and surfing to underprivileged youth. —Jon Regardie, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

Nichols also volunteers on several boards related to supporting veterans, underprivileged communities, and workforce development. —Samuel O’Neal April 23, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing underprivileged

• the underprivileged

Rhymes for underprivileged

• privileged
• unprivileged

Kids Definition

underprivileged

adjective

un·​der·​priv·​i·​leged -ˈpriv-(ə-)lijd 

: having fewer privileges than others : poor