Underprivileged background

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Underprivileged background" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or groups who come from a socio-economic status that lacks access to resources and opportunities. Example: "The scholarship program aims to support students from an underprivileged background, helping them achieve their academic goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

While many have discussed her underprivileged background as a strong point for her confirmation, I think that her experiences as a lawyer and a judge are more relevant.

The New York Times

People say development is a tough field to get into, but coming from an underprivileged background I felt I'd already beaten the odds just getting to university.

The Guardian

And once the child is older than one, being in formal child care may actually be good for it, particularly if it comes from an underprivileged background.

The Economist

And then there is also the presence of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who while not black, openly asserts how her life experiences – that of a minority woman coming from an underprivileged background – adds value to the court.

The Guardian

If a first time offender from an underprivileged background was accused of three felonies and displayed no accountability for his actions other than drinking, what would his sentence be?

The Guardian

THE appointment of Gen. Norton A. Schwartz as the chief of staff of the Air Force last week is a historic first, one that could serve as inspiration for people who share his underprivileged background.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Applications and admissions from students from underprivileged backgrounds are at a record level.

The Guardian

The students were from poor, underprivileged backgrounds, and most of that class were Afro-Caribbean.

The Guardian

In 1999, Hall was appointed dean of higher education development and charged with coordinating support for students from underprivileged backgrounds.

The Guardian

"We don't expect our stuff to be bought because it's made by students from underprivileged backgrounds," Mr. Sinclair said.

The New York Times

"It could put off students from underprivileged backgrounds from applying, who might not understand how the loan system works, or are very debt-averse.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underprivileged background", provide specific details about the challenges faced to give context and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all individuals from an "underprivileged background" share the same experiences or needs. Recognize the diversity within this group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underprivileged background" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the circumstances someone comes from. Ludwig AI confirms it's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underprivileged background" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe individuals or groups from disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively provides context regarding their starting point and potential challenges. While alternatives like "disadvantaged background" or "low-income background" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. It's crucial to use the phrase thoughtfully, avoiding generalizations and acknowledging the diversity within the group it describes. Its prevalence across news, business, and scientific sources indicates its widespread acceptance and utility in formal and neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Disadvantaged background

Focuses on the lack of advantages and opportunities.

Economically disadvantaged background

Explicitly states the economic hardship.

Low-income background

Specifically highlights the financial aspect of disadvantage.

Impoverished background

Emphasizes the state of being poor or lacking resources.

Background of poverty

Directly points out the existence of poverty in the upbringing.

Deprived background

Highlights the lack of essential resources and opportunities.

Challenging socioeconomic background

Indicates difficulties related to both social and economic factors.

Marginalized background

Focuses on social exclusion and limited access to power and resources.

Less fortunate background

A more euphemistic way of describing disadvantage.

Background lacking opportunity

Directly highlights the absence of chances for progress.

FAQs

How can I use "underprivileged background" in a sentence?

You can use "underprivileged background" to describe someone's socio-economic origins, such as: "The scholarship supports students from an "underprivileged background"."

What are some alternatives to "underprivileged background"?

Alternatives include "disadvantaged background", "low-income background", or "impoverished background", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the term "underprivileged background" in formal writing?

Yes, "underprivileged background" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider the context and audience. More specific terms like "low-income background" or "economically disadvantaged background" may be preferable in some cases.

What's the difference between "underprivileged background" and "disadvantaged background"?

While similar, "underprivileged background" often emphasizes a lack of opportunities due to socio-economic factors, whereas "disadvantaged background" can encompass a broader range of factors, including social, educational, or health-related disadvantages.