underprivileged

adjective

un·​der·​priv·​i·​leged ˌən-dər-ˈpriv-lijd 

-ˈpri-və-

1

: deprived through social or economic condition of some of the fundamental rights of all members of a civilized society

2

: of or relating to underprivileged people

underprivileged areas of the city

Synonyms

• deprived
• disadvantaged
• impoverished
• poor
• depressed

Examples of underprivileged in a Sentence

an organization that distributes free books to underprivileged children

Recent Examples on the Web

The 58-year-old spent the day with underprivileged children, sharing anecdotes and promoting equity through sport. —David Ferrini, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025

The homes and businesses of the city's more underprivileged citizens stood in the flood zones; the needy lost more lives and property than those high on the hills. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Mamelodi, in partnership with Roc Nation Sports International, hosted a clinic for underprivileged children at Mills Pond Park in Fort Lauderdale. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025

Chicago’s Building Better Futures Center for the Arts, an organization that offers mental health services and education programs for underprivileged youth, will reportedly reap the benefits of his payout. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing underprivileged

• the underprivileged

Rhymes for underprivileged

• privileged
• unprivileged

Kids Definition

underprivileged

adjective

un·​der·​priv·​i·​leged -ˈpriv-(ə-)lijd 

: having fewer privileges than others : poor