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

And there are proven approaches that help disadvantaged students complete these programs successfully. — Barb Clapp, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

In contrast, students at disadvantaged schools were more likely to spend much of the day in passive activities such as listening to lectures, practicing rote memorization or copying from the board. — Supreet Kaur, Scientific American, 10 June 2026

The group takes pride in its inclusivity, supports LGBTQ+ groups, and distributes free tickets to disadvantaged youth. — Charles Usher, Midwest Living, 9 June 2026

Although everyone breathes polluted air, children, elderly, and historically disadvantaged communities are hurt the most. — Chris Hartmann, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantaged

• the disadvantaged

Rhymes for disadvantaged

• advantaged