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

Admitting underprepared students, especially those already disadvantaged, harms them. —David Blobaum, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026

The poll suggests that few men see themselves as disadvantaged compared to women in the workplace. —Alexandra Olson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026

Oakland Unified School District serves nearly 34,000 students, 80% of whom are socioeconomically disadvantaged. —Laura Einhorn, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026

The poll suggests that few men see themselves as disadvantaged compared to women in the workplace. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantaged

• the disadvantaged

Rhymes for disadvantaged

• advantaged