Disadvantaged: meaning, definitions and examples

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disadvantaged

 

[ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

social inequality

Suffering from social or economic disadvantage, typically as a result of discrimination or lack of opportunities.

Synonyms

deprived, marginalized, underprivileged.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disadvantaged

Used to describe people or groups that have fewer economic, educational, or social opportunities due to various factors.

  • Disadvantaged students often face more challenges in education.
  • The program aims to provide support for disadvantaged communities.
underprivileged

Used to highlight the lack of basic privileges or rights that most people enjoy, often focusing on economic and social disadvantages.

  • The charity supports underprivileged children by providing educational resources.
  • Many underprivileged families benefit from the community food bank.
deprived

Typically used to indicate a severe lack of basic needs and resources, often related to poverty.

  • Children in deprived areas often lack access to basic nutrition.
  • The organization works to help families in deprived neighborhoods.
marginalized

Refers to groups or individuals who are pushed to the edge of society, making it difficult for them to have a voice or access to mainstream resources.

  • Marginalized communities struggle to have their voices heard in policy discussions.
  • Efforts are being made to include marginalized groups in decision-making processes.

Examples of usage

  • Children from disadvantaged backgrounds often struggle to access quality education.
  • People with disabilities are often disadvantaged in the job market.
Context #2 | Noun

education

A person or group of people who are in a position of being treated unfairly or having less than others in terms of access to resources or opportunities.

Synonyms

disadvantaged group, marginalized population, underprivileged.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disadvantaged

This word is appropriate when describing individuals or groups that are facing socio-economic difficulties and lack access to resources or opportunities.

  • The government has launched a program to support disadvantaged families.
  • Children from disadvantaged backgrounds often struggle in school.
underprivileged

This word is typically used to describe individuals or groups who are poor and lack basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and housing.

  • She organized a fundraiser to help underprivileged children.
  • Efforts are being made to provide scholarships to underprivileged students.
disadvantaged group

This phrase is used to refer to a collective of people who are experiencing socio-economic hardships or face systemic barriers.

  • Policies must be implemented to aid disadvantaged groups in accessing healthcare and education.
  • Volunteers work tirelessly to support disadvantaged groups in their community.
marginalized population

This term is suitable when referring to groups that are socially excluded or pushed to the fringes of society, often ignored or underrepresented.

  • Programs are needed to integrate marginalized populations into the workforce.
  • Advocacy groups focus on the rights of marginalized populations.

Examples of usage

  • The program aims to provide support for disadvantaged students in underprivileged communities.
  • The organization works to improve the living conditions of the disadvantaged.

Translations

Translations of the word "disadvantaged" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desfavorecido

🇮🇳 वंचित (vanchit)

🇩🇪 benachteiligt

🇮🇩 terpinggirkan

🇺🇦 незахищений

🇵🇱 upośledzony

🇯🇵 恵まれない (megumarenai)

🇫🇷 désavantagé

🇪🇸 desfavorecido

🇹🇷 dezavantajlı

🇰🇷 불리한 (bulrihan)

🇸🇦 محروم (mahrum)

🇨🇿 znevýhodněný

🇸🇰 znevýhodnený

🇨🇳 处于不利地位的 (chǔyú bùlì dìwèi de)

🇸🇮 prikrajšan

🇮🇸 óhagstæður

🇰🇿 қолайсыз жағдайда

🇬🇪 დანაკარგული (danakarguli)

🇦🇿 əlverişsiz vəziyyətdə

🇲🇽 desfavorecido

Etymology

The word 'disadvantaged' originated in the mid-20th century, combining 'dis-' (indicating negation) and 'advantaged'. It gained popularity in the context of social welfare and equality movements, highlighting the disparities and challenges faced by certain groups in society. The term is commonly used in discussions about social justice, education, and poverty alleviation.

See also: advantaged, advantageous, advantageously, advantageousness, advantages, disadvantage.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,353 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.