Word
underprivileged
Phoneticsun·der·priv·i·leged
US/ˈəndɝˈpɹɪvɫədʒd/
UK/ˌʌndəpɹˈɪvɪlɪdʒd/
Definition
adj. describing people who do not have the same opportunities or resources as others in their society. You use this to talk about groups that are often treated unfairly or ignored.
adj. lacking the usual social or economic advantages; suffering from a lack of access to resources or opportunities. Often used to describe marginalized groups or individuals in a specific context.
Examples
“The school provides extra support for underprivileged students.”
“The charity focuses on improving the living conditions of underprivileged families in the city's poorest neighborhoods.”
“Sociologists argue that systemic barriers continue to prevent underprivileged communities from accessing the same quality of healthcare and education as their more affluent counterparts.”
Examples
simple
“The school provides extra support for underprivileged students.”
contextual
“The charity focuses on improving the living conditions of underprivileged families in the city's poorest neighborhoods.”
complex
“Sociologists argue that systemic barriers continue to prevent underprivileged communities from accessing the same quality of healthcare and education as their more affluent counterparts.”
Real-World Examples
“The ex-Commonwealth lightweight champion set up a sporting foundation when he retired from boxing in 2019 and has led a number of initiatives for underprivileged children, including a mobile boxing gym.” “But the jury is still out on whether the fruits of the growth have reached the most underprivileged among its 60 million people.” Etymology
From under- + privileged.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/underprivileged