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

The overwhelming majority of the students are economically disadvantaged and predominantly Hispanic, TEA data shows. —Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026

These include smoking, overweight and obesity, stress, social isolation, access to health care and living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. —Jennifer Singh, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026

More financially disadvantaged students ended up enrolling at Swarthmore than officials expected. —Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026

However, secondhand shopping didn’t always have such positive connotations, as it was sometimes associated with thrift store-buying that can be a lifeline for the economically disadvantaged. —Mari Sato, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantaged

• the disadvantaged

Rhymes for disadvantaged

• advantaged