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 Milton Hershey School, a residential school for K-12 students from disadvantaged economic and social backgrounds, has grown from an enrollment of four boys in 1910 to a co-ed institution with 2,200 students. —David P. Willis, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Most importantly, people who are financially disadvantaged are more in danger of being abused at their jobs. —Liza Lentini, SPIN, 14 Apr. 2026

Critics have argued that its efforts whitewash history and limit representation of disadvantaged groups. —Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 13 Apr. 2026

The grant used for Summer Connections requires that the program target disadvantaged students. —Tara Molina, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantaged

• the disadvantaged

Rhymes for disadvantaged

• advantaged