the disadvantaged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the disadvantaged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals or groups who are at a disadvantage in society, often due to economic, social, or educational factors. Example: "The charity aims to provide support and resources for the disadvantaged in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ultimately it is through their own effort that the disadvantaged overcome their disadvantage.

The Guardian

We're the educator of the disadvantaged".

The New York Times

Sentimentalists will say that he never forgot the disadvantaged.

The Guardian

Could the same be said for the disadvantaged child?

The Guardian - Opinion

But few students from the disadvantaged schools seemed deterred.

The New York Times

Sometimes by challenging prejudice and helping the disadvantaged.

The Guardian - Opinion

He always gave the disadvantaged the benefit of the doubt.

The New York Times

Engaged world at large, opposing intolerance, upholding the disadvantaged.

The New York Times

Again, this hardly appears to prioritise the disadvantaged.

The Guardian

"We give priority to the disadvantaged areas," he said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's for the big corporate farmers, not the disadvantaged family farmer".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the disadvantaged", be specific about the type of disadvantage you are referring to (e.g., economic, social, educational) to provide context and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "the disadvantaged" as a blanket term. Instead, identify the specific challenges faced by the group you are discussing. For example, instead of saying "the disadvantaged need help", specify "disadvantaged students need access to better educational resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the disadvantaged" functions as a noun phrase, where "disadvantaged" acts as an adjective describing the group of people being referred to. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the disadvantaged" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to refer to individuals or groups facing systemic barriers due to economic, social, or educational factors. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is suitable for use in written English. While alternatives like "the underprivileged" or "the marginalized" exist, "the disadvantaged" is widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news media and scientific publications. However, it is crucial to provide specific context when using the term to avoid overgeneralizations and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the underprivileged

Emphasizes the lack of opportunities and resources compared to others.

the marginalized

Highlights their exclusion from mainstream society and power structures.

the underserved

Focuses on the inadequate provision of essential services and support.

the impoverished

Specifically refers to those living in poverty or lacking financial resources.

the deprived

Stresses the absence of basic necessities and comforts.

the needy

Highlights their reliance on assistance and support.

the vulnerable

Emphasizes their susceptibility to harm or exploitation.

the disfavored

Indicates they are not treated as well as others.

those in need

A broader term encompassing anyone requiring help.

the working poor

Specifically refers to individuals who are employed but still live in poverty.

FAQs

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

You can use "the disadvantaged" to refer to people who face systemic barriers in society. For example: "The program aims to provide opportunities for "the disadvantaged" in the community."

What are some alternatives to saying "the disadvantaged"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the underprivileged", "the marginalized", or "the underserved".

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

Yes, "the disadvantaged" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when referring to groups facing specific challenges. However, be mindful of the context and consider more specific alternatives if appropriate.

What is the difference between "the disadvantaged" and "the impoverished"?

"The disadvantaged" is a broader term that encompasses various forms of hardship, including economic, social, and educational barriers. "The impoverished" specifically refers to those living in poverty or lacking financial resources.