from underprivileged backgrounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'from underprivileged backgrounds' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to people who have come from a disadvantaged or impoverished background, meaning they have limited access to basic necessities, education, or other opportunities. For example, "Many graduates from this university come from underprivileged backgrounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

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

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

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

The Guardian

"I thought that the whole purpose of affirmative action was to help students who come from underprivileged backgrounds," Justice Alito 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

Many elite universities still admit few pupils from underprivileged backgrounds despite repeated attempts to boost participation, official statistics released today show.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Dr. Hasan was recognized for her dedication to equity in Science, Engineering and Technology and was the Catalyst Award Honoree from the Science Club for Girls in Cambridge, Massachusetts an outreach organization dedicated to encouraging girls from underprivileged background to pursue careers in science and medicine (2010).

Duke University

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

The Guardian

The ugly truth is that the vast majority of these disadvantaged children are coming from drastically underprivileged backgrounds.

Huffington Post

One such organization is Akili Dada in Kenya which works with girls from severely underprivileged backgrounds in rural communities; most are at risk of dropping out of school and falling prey to cheap labor or early marriage.

Huffington Post

Students come from both affluent and underprivileged backgrounds — the Du Bois Institute is supported primarily by tuition, which ranges from $4,700 to $6,500, depending on the student's age.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "from underprivileged backgrounds", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific disadvantages faced by the individuals or groups being described. This provides a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of their situation.

Common error

Avoid using "from underprivileged backgrounds" as a broad label without acknowledging the diverse experiences and challenges within such groups. Specificity enhances understanding and prevents perpetuating stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from underprivileged backgrounds" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically referring to people or groups. It adds descriptive information about their socioeconomic origins, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "from underprivileged backgrounds" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe individuals who come from disadvantaged socioeconomic circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used in various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and business. The phrase effectively conveys the challenges these individuals face, and while alternatives such as "from disadvantaged backgrounds" or "from low-income backgrounds" exist, the original phrase remains widely accepted and understood. When using "from underprivileged backgrounds", ensure that the specific disadvantages are clear and that the term is not overgeneralized to maintain accuracy and avoid perpetuating stereotypes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from disadvantaged backgrounds

Replaces "underprivileged" with "disadvantaged", emphasizing the lack of advantages.

from impoverished backgrounds

Replaces "underprivileged" with "impoverished", highlighting the financial aspect of disadvantage.

from marginalized backgrounds

Focuses on the social exclusion and marginalization experienced by individuals.

from low-income backgrounds

Specifies the economic status of the backgrounds, focusing on income levels.

from deprived backgrounds

Emphasizes the lack of essential resources and opportunities.

from less fortunate backgrounds

Uses a more general term to describe the lack of advantages.

from underserved backgrounds

Highlights the lack of adequate services and support.

from disadvantaged communities

Shifts the focus from individual backgrounds to the broader community context.

from challenging socioeconomic circumstances

Uses a more formal and detailed description of the difficult conditions.

of humble origins

Describes a modest or low social start in life.

FAQs

What does "from underprivileged backgrounds" mean?

The phrase "from underprivileged backgrounds" refers to individuals who come from disadvantaged or impoverished circumstances, often lacking access to essential resources, opportunities, and support systems due to socioeconomic factors.

What are some alternative ways to say "from underprivileged backgrounds"?

You can use alternatives such as "from disadvantaged backgrounds", "from impoverished backgrounds", or "from low-income backgrounds" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "from underprivileged backgrounds" in formal writing?

Yes, "from underprivileged backgrounds" is generally considered appropriate in formal writing, but it's essential to use it with sensitivity and awareness of the context. More specific terms might be preferable depending on the situation.

How can I use "from underprivileged backgrounds" in a sentence?

You can use "from underprivileged backgrounds" to describe someone's origins, such as: "The scholarship aims to support students "from underprivileged backgrounds" in pursuing higher education."