disadvantaged

adjective

dis·​ad·​van·​taged ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tijd How to pronounce disadvantaged (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Telcos must have a 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups, in line with the country’s black economic empowerment (BEE) laws adopted after the end of Apartheid in 1994. Toby Shapshak, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 More than 95% of the school’s students are classified as economically disadvantaged. Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 May 2025 Talking to Street Soccer coaches and players, some of whom have experienced homelessness, William was told how the new partnership will benefit socially disadvantaged adults and young people in the Leith area. Simon Perry, People.com, 21 May 2025 Since the 1931 census, some previously disadvantaged castes may have been buoyed by affirmative action and other measures – while other castes that once sat higher on the ladder may no longer be considered as privileged. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 16 May 2025 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 28 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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