Word
disadvantaged
Phoneticsdis·ad·van·taged, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdɪsədˈvænɪdʒd/
UK/dˌɪsɐdvˈɑːntɪdʒd/
Sociology
Definition
adj. having less money, education, or social power than most people.
adj. lacking the normal privileges or resources of a society, such as wealth, education, or social status.
Examples
“Many disadvantaged children need extra help at school.”
“The new policy aims to support disadvantaged families by providing free meals and tutoring.”
“Despite the city's overall wealth, significant pockets of disadvantage remain, highlighting the persistent gap between the affluent and those left behind by economic shifts.”
Examples
simple
“Many disadvantaged children need extra help at school.”
contextual
“The new policy aims to support disadvantaged families by providing free meals and tutoring.”
complex
“Despite the city's overall wealth, significant pockets of disadvantage remain, highlighting the persistent gap between the affluent and those left behind by economic shifts.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “disadvantaged” in context.
Usage
Often used as a collective noun 'the disadvantaged' to refer to people in this condition.
Teaching tip
This is often used as a polite or 'euphemistic' way to say 'poor' in official reports and news.
Real-World Examples
“Success should no longer be measured only by how many people from historically disadvantaged groups enter a profession.” “More worrying still are the geographical disparities dividing economically disadvantaged parts of the north and Midlands from the wealthy south - and especially London.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/disadvantaged