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

• 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

More than 90% of students were considered to be economically disadvantaged. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025

Priority will be given to locations in tribal areas and disadvantaged and low-income communities. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025

Environmental groups argued in the case that the utility commission’s decision left out crucial considerations around benefits to customers and disadvantaged communities. —Calmatters, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2025

Burnet, Dobie and Webb are 88.2%, 86.6% and 98.3% economically disadvantaged, respectively, according to district data. —Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantaged

• the disadvantaged

Rhymes for disadvantaged

• advantaged