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

• depressed
• deprived
• 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

At Leesburg High School in Lake County, about three-quarters of the students are economically disadvantaged and chronic absenteeism jumped from just over one-third in 2018-19 to almost 60% last year. —Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025

Many doctors and dental associations, however, argue that fluoride in water is still a crucial, low-risk/high-reward public health tool, especially for disadvantaged children and adults who may not be able to practice regular dental hygiene. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 June 2025

The answer directly impacts home affordability for veterans, rural homeowners and disadvantaged groups. —Ann Rutledge, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025

The school served, and continues to serve, a majority Black and socioeconomically disadvantaged population that primarily resides in Oak Park. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantaged

• the disadvantaged

Rhymes for disadvantaged

• advantaged