disadvantaged

1 of 2

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

disadvantaged

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of disadvantage entry 2

Synonyms of disadvantaged

Adjective

• deprived
• impoverished
• depressed
• underprivileged

Examples of disadvantaged in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Overall the foundation has reached and supported about 380,000 disadvantaged and vulnerable people globally since its founding. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Companies would get a tax credit if the jobs are located within economically disadvantaged regions designated by a city formula that mostly covers the South, Southwest and West sides. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Residential customers in it get $2,500 upfront, or $3,000 in disadvantaged communities, and the first 250 to enroll get an extra $1,500. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026

The New York State Energy Research and Development Agency helped fund the Peace Bridge Place project, as part of its focus on including disadvantaged communities in the clean energy transition. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantaged

• the disadvantaged

Rhymes for disadvantaged

• advantaged