disadvantaged

adjective

dis·​ad·​van·​taged ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tijd How to pronounce disadvantaged (audio)
Synonyms of disadvantagednext
: 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 noun

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
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The firm works with Italian nonprofit organization Cooperativa Alice, which was founded in 1992 in Milan with the aim of promoting the social and occupational reintegration of disadvantaged people — in particular women in prison or victims of violence and mothers in difficulty. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 27 Feb. 2026 Founded in 1996, the partnership works with the public and private sectors to provide housing for low- to moderate-income people and revitalize disadvantaged neighborhoods. Beth Reese Cravey, Florida Times-Union, 26 Feb. 2026 Milne Elementary School, where 96% of students are economically disadvantaged, has seen jumps in its Texas A-F accountability grades. Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026 In Westhoff’s view, the crime in Wedgwood Square in many cases originates in surrounding neighborhoods that are more economically disadvantaged. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disadvantaged

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disadvantaged was in 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Disadvantaged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disadvantaged. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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