from underrepresented backgrounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from underrepresented backgrounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individuals or groups that have historically had less representation in a particular context, such as education, employment, or social settings. Example: "The scholarship program aims to support students from underrepresented backgrounds to ensure diversity in higher education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

TinyLetters are also routes to promoting works by writers from underrepresented backgrounds.

The Guardian - Books

Universities which have low numbers of students from underrepresented backgrounds should invest in outreach projects according to Offa.

The Guardian

"In reality, we saw no meaningful difference in the representation of characters from underrepresented backgrounds across the six years we studied".

The Guardian - Film

To put it simply: two years' worth of undergraduate admissions figures show that UNIQ has been hugely successful helping students from underrepresented backgrounds get into Oxford.

The Guardian

"A lot of students from underrepresented backgrounds, who will get their degrees in computer science and want to work in the tech industry, are not working in Silicon Valley," she said.

The New Yorker

There are other battles that must be fought: expensive post-graduate qualifications are now often a must for many often a must for professions but too costly for many; there's a need for scholarships to support those from underrepresented backgrounds; and we have to tackle the social and economic inequality that lies at the root of the gap in educational attainment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Moreover, admissions officers note, students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds are hardly the only applicants who sometimes receive extra points, in effect.

The New York Times

Port also co-operates a nonprofit, Blueprint Campaigns, that helps progressive individuals from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds run for office.

Huffington Post

And while Hollywood has made huge inroads in hiring filmmakers from historically underrepresented backgrounds, sex workers are rarely invited to the table.

Vice

The program helps facilitate integration of confident, highly trained professionals from diverse underrepresented backgrounds within the biomedical and health-related workforce.

BMC Medical Education

Participation in independent research experiences has been shown to increase interest in pursuing a PhD (Seymour et al., 2004; Russell et al., 2007) and seems to be particularly beneficial for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds (Villarejo et al., 2008; Jones et al., 2010; Espinosa, 2011; Hernandez et al., 2013).

CBE Life Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "from underrepresented backgrounds", ensure you are specific about the context in which the underrepresentation exists. For example, specify the field (e.g., STEM, arts) or the type of representation (e.g., leadership roles).

Common error

Be specific about the communities you are referring to rather than using "from underrepresented backgrounds" as a blanket term. Recognize that experiences and challenges vary greatly among different groups.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from underrepresented backgrounds" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, typically describing individuals or groups. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It helps to identify specific populations or individuals that face systemic barriers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "from underrepresented backgrounds" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes individuals or groups lacking proportional representation in a particular context. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is accurate and usable in written English. It's most frequently encountered in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's essential to be specific about the context and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as ""from marginalized communities"" or ""from disadvantaged backgrounds"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from marginalized communities

Focuses on the social and political marginalization experienced by certain groups.

from disadvantaged backgrounds

Emphasizes the socio-economic hardships and lack of opportunities.

from diverse backgrounds

Highlights the variety of experiences and cultures, while implicitly acknowledging underrepresentation.

from under-resourced communities

Focuses on the lack of essential resources and support systems available to certain communities.

from less privileged backgrounds

Highlights the lack of advantages and benefits enjoyed by more privileged groups.

from non-traditional backgrounds

Highlights backgrounds that deviate from established norms or expectations.

from historically excluded groups

Specifically references the long-standing patterns of exclusion and discrimination.

from equity-seeking groups

Emphasizes the proactive pursuit of fairness and justice for specific groups.

from under-served populations

Highlights the lack of adequate services and support provided to certain populations.

from under-represented minorities

Focuses specifically on racial and ethnic minority groups that are not adequately represented.

FAQs

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

You can use "from underrepresented backgrounds" to describe individuals or groups that are not proportionally represented in a particular field or setting. For example: "The program aims to support students "from underrepresented backgrounds" in STEM fields".

What are some alternatives to "from underrepresented backgrounds"?

Some alternatives include "from marginalized communities", "from disadvantaged backgrounds", or "from diverse backgrounds". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean for someone to be "from underrepresented backgrounds"?

It means that the individual or group comes from a social, ethnic, economic, or other group that is not adequately represented in a particular context, such as education, employment, or leadership positions.

How does "from underrepresented backgrounds" differ from "from disadvantaged backgrounds"?

"From disadvantaged backgrounds" typically refers to socio-economic disadvantages or lack of opportunity, while ""from underrepresented backgrounds"" refers to groups lacking proportional representation, even if they are not necessarily disadvantaged economically.