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underprivileged

/ˌˈʌndərˌprɪv(ə)lɪdʒd/
/əndəˈprɪvlɪdʒd/
IPA guide

Someone underprivileged doesn't have the advantages other people have. Underprivileged people usually live in poverty.

A privilege is a right or an advantage, and people who are underprivileged lack such rights and advantages. Many times, this word is used as a synonym for poor. People often worry about underprivileged children who are living in poverty and may not have access to healthy food or good medical care. Underprivileged children often go to the worst schools too, which is another disadvantage.

Definitions of underprivileged
  1. adjective
    lacking the rights and advantages of other members of society
    synonyms:
    unfortunate
    not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune
    deprived, disadvantaged
    marked by deprivation especially of the necessities of life or healthful environmental influences
    underclass
    belonging to the lowest and least privileged social stratum
    poor
    having little money or few possessions
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    privileged
    blessed with privileges
    fortunate
    having unexpected good fortune
    sweetheart
    privileged treatment of a favored person or corporation (sometimes unethically)
    rich
    possessing material wealth
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘underprivileged'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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