in a disadvantaged position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a disadvantaged position" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally speaking, it is used to refer to someone who has less power or privilege than someone else in a certain situation. For example: "Due to her lack of experience, she was in a disadvantaged position when competing for the job against other more experienced candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A decentralized health system may promote more dynamic flows of health workers in the labour market, in which case the rural areas are in a disadvantaged position to attract and retain their health workers due to their disadvantages in working and living conditions [ 56].

Human Resources for Health

"The objections to tough restrictions in the United States are that it will put American businesses in a disadvantaged position and financial companies will take their operations to friendlier shores," he said in a statement.

The New York Times

These women's jobs were in a disadvantaged position compared to their husband's.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Although trained at a very high level, German scientists are often in a disadvantaged position in the international job market.

Science Magazine

For example, grid infrastructure is currently limited to the longer established parts of Kartong, putting households on the edge of the settlement in a disadvantaged position.

Energy Research & Social Science

Compared with the major manufacturing countries in the world, China's scientific and technological innovation ability and core technology are obviously in a disadvantaged position.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It was a low-end job in which she could be replaced easily, and she was at a disadvantaged position in the labor market.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

American Indians/Alaska Natives and Blacks have long experienced a disadvantaged position in the American society, as they have lagged behind Whites in their socioeconomic attainment, employment, health status, and access to and use of health-care services [ 1, 22, 35].

BioMed Research International

This situation may have affected the vaccination coverage for basic childhood vaccines (National Immunization Schedule at the time of the study is given in Table 1), placing IDPs at a disadvantaged position relative to the general Sri Lankan population which have had a very high vaccination coverage for a considerable period of time [ 2][ 3].

BMC International Health and Human Rights

"Croft put on 122 and Brown 91, as well as a partnership of 208 runs to take Lancashire from a disadvantaged position to being in control of this game.

BBC

A disadvantaged position of power, reinforced through stigma and social exclusion, has been found to contribute to the vulnerability of female sex workers to HIV in India and elsewhere [ 14, 18, 19].

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "in a disadvantaged position", ensure that the context clearly defines what the disadvantage is and who or what is creating it. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the disadvantage. Instead of claiming someone is "completely helpless", provide specific details about the challenges they face to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a disadvantaged position" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It describes the state or condition of being in a less favorable circumstance compared to others. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a disadvantaged position" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe someone facing unfavorable circumstances or lacking advantages, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is particularly prevalent in scientific and news-related contexts, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples. While it maintains a neutral tone, the phrase is versatile enough for various registers. When using this phrase, ensuring the context clearly defines the source and nature of the disadvantage is crucial. Alternative phrases like "at a disadvantage" or "in an unfavorable situation" can provide subtle variations in meaning depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a disadvantage

Focuses more directly on the state of lacking an advantage compared to others.

in an unfavorable situation

Highlights the negative aspects of the circumstances someone is in.

in a weaker position

Emphasizes a lack of strength or influence in the situation.

in a vulnerable state

Focuses on the susceptibility to harm or negative consequences.

at a competitive disadvantage

Specifically refers to a disadvantage in a competitive scenario.

in a precarious situation

Suggests instability and potential danger.

in an inferior position

Highlights a lower rank or status.

in a compromised state

Indicates that one's ability to function effectively is impaired.

in a less privileged position

Highlights a lack of advantages due to social or economic factors.

in a tough spot

An informal way of saying someone is facing difficulties.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "in a disadvantaged position" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "at a disadvantage", "in an unfavorable situation", or "in a precarious situation".

What does it mean to be "in a disadvantaged position"?

Being "in a disadvantaged position" means facing unfavorable circumstances or lacking advantages compared to others, making it more difficult to succeed or progress.

Is it correct to say someone is "in a disadvantaged position because of" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. For example: "They are "in a disadvantaged position" because of their lack of education".

What are some common examples of people who might be "in a disadvantaged position"?

Examples include individuals facing poverty, discrimination, lack of access to education or healthcare, or those living in areas with limited resources.