disadvantaged background

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disadvantaged background" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a person's upbringing or circumstances that put them at a disadvantage in life, such as poverty or a difficult family situation. Example: "Despite coming from a disadvantaged background, she worked hard and was able to overcome the challenges and achieve success in her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A disadvantaged background is one of the factors that holistic admissions practices take into account.

The New Yorker

He comes from a disadvantaged background, went to Stanford University and got straight As.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was also asked if I would cope if offered a place as I came from such a disadvantaged background.

The Guardian

This is obviously a massive issue for people like me because I'm from a disadvantaged background and area.

The Guardian

"Children from disadvantaged background are less likely to experience a good education than their better off peers".

Independent

Here in Buckinghamshire we have a large, outstanding grammar that had just two children from a disadvantaged background in its 2014 GCSE cohort.

The Guardian

The Trust's goal is to give these children the chance to lift themselves out of their extremely disadvantaged background by working to improve educational facilities, standards and care.

The Guardian

Providing great schooling is the single most important thing we can do to help any child from a disadvantaged background succeed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Many are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Guardian

These people are more likely to come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Guardian

Critically, students from disadvantaged backgrounds have not been deterred.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disadvantaged background" to provide important context, especially when discussing social mobility, educational opportunities, or systemic inequalities.

Common error

Avoid making assumptions about individuals solely based on their "disadvantaged background". Recognize the diversity of experiences and avoid perpetuating stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disadvantaged background" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun 'background'. It provides context about a person's socioeconomic circumstances, influencing factors such as access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disadvantaged background" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe challenging socioeconomic circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and widespread across diverse sources. It functions as an adjective phrase providing context about an individual's or group's upbringing and access to resources. The phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to avoid generalizations and focus on the resilience and accomplishments of individuals, recognizing the diversity of their experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underprivileged background

Focuses on the lack of opportunities and resources.

disadvantaged circumstances

Similar meaning but focusing on the circumstances rather than the background.

deprived background

Emphasizes the scarcity of essential needs and opportunities.

poor background

Refers to financial hardship as the primary disadvantage.

impoverished background

Highlights the experience of significant poverty during upbringing.

low-income background

Specifically mentions the financial status of the family.

less fortunate background

Euphemistic way of referring to a disadvantaged background.

challenging upbringing

Focuses on the difficulties faced during childhood.

difficult circumstances

Broadly describes unfavorable conditions.

negative background

A more general term for a problematic upbringing.

FAQs

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

You can use "disadvantaged background" to describe someone's upbringing or socioeconomic status, for example: "Despite coming from a "disadvantaged background", she excelled in her studies."

What are some alternatives to "disadvantaged background"?

Alternatives include "poor background", "underprivileged background", or "low-income background", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "disadvantaged background" in formal writing?

Yes, "disadvantaged background" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing social issues, research, or policy. However, ensure it's used respectfully and with sensitivity.

What is the difference between "disadvantaged background" and "privileged background"?

"Disadvantaged background" refers to circumstances that hinder opportunities, while "privileged background" refers to circumstances that provide advantages and opportunities. They are essentially opposite in meaning.