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

Apart from trying to grow with its audience and opening up to disadvantaged filmmakers, IFFR continues to rely on surprising encounters. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026

As representative of District 1, a historically socioeconomically disadvantaged part of town, Brown said her constituents are more likely to say public safety, clean streets and youth programming are more of a concern than air quality. —Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026

However, the four-year graduation rates improved for African American students, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and students with disabilities. —Adam Thompson, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

So — white, Black, brown — kids in disadvantaged areas still struggle, in ways that those in wealthier areas can at least mitigate for. —Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantaged

• the disadvantaged

Rhymes for disadvantaged

• advantaged