the underprivileged

USAGE SUMMARY

"the underprivileged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to people who do not have access to the same resources and opportunities as others, often due to social or economic disadvantages. For example: "The government should invest more in job training programs to help the underprivileged obtain gainful employment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Athlete and advocate for the underprivileged.

The New York Times

"The people, particularly the underprivileged classes, truly feel the hardships.

The New York Times

There wasn't anything in there for the underprivileged.

Independent

That she has been a champion for the underprivileged?

The Guardian

A passionate advocate who fought tirelessly for the rights of the underprivileged.

The New York Times

"It's for the underprivileged kiddies of N. Y.," he announced, "and has the goal….

The New Yorker

Roosevelt's response in 1935 was to propose greater aid to the underprivileged and extensive reforms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If I don't look after the interests of the underprivileged maybe somebody else will . . .

The New Yorker

"Our justice system operates against the underprivileged," said I. A. Rehman, a prominent human rights activist.

The New York Times

Talk with Shalom Cohen about the underprivileged Sephardic Jews in Israel.

The New Yorker

They also wondered whether her replacement in Congress would pay as much attention to the underprivileged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the underprivileged" when referring to a group of people who face systematic disadvantages. For individuals, consider more specific and respectful language like 'low-income individuals' or 'people experiencing poverty'.

Common error

Avoid using "the underprivileged" as a blanket term for all disadvantaged groups. Recognize that different groups face unique challenges and require tailored solutions. Be specific about the particular circumstances you're addressing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the underprivileged" primarily functions as a collective noun, referring to a group of people who experience systemic disadvantages and lack access to resources and opportunities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the underprivileged" is a commonly used and grammatically correct collective noun that refers to individuals or groups facing systemic disadvantages. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, context-specific alternatives like "disadvantaged individuals" or "marginalized communities" may offer more precise connotations. It's crucial to avoid overgeneralization and to approach usage with sensitivity and specificity, recognizing the unique challenges faced by different communities. The expert rating is 4.5 based on grammatical correctness, source authority, and usage consistency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disadvantaged individuals

Focuses on the lack of advantages compared to others.

deprived communities

Highlights the lack of essential resources and opportunities.

marginalized communities

Highlights the social exclusion and limited access to power.

vulnerable populations

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm and lack of protection.

impoverished populations

Emphasizes the economic hardship and lack of wealth.

under-resourced groups

Focuses on the limited availability of resources.

those in need

Broadly refers to people requiring assistance or support.

low-income families

Specifically points to families with limited financial resources.

the working poor

Refers to individuals who are employed but still live in poverty.

less fortunate people

A more general and euphemistic way to describe those facing hardship.

FAQs

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

You can use "the underprivileged" to refer to people who have fewer advantages than most people, for example: "The charity provides food and clothing to "the underprivileged" in the community."

What are some alternatives to saying "the underprivileged"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "disadvantaged individuals", "marginalized communities", or "impoverished populations".

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

Yes, "the underprivileged" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider whether a more specific and descriptive term might be more appropriate to accurately reflect the group you're discussing.

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

While both terms refer to people who face systemic barriers and disadvantages, "the underprivileged" often implies a lack of resources and opportunities, whereas "the disadvantaged" can encompass a broader range of challenges, including social or physical limitations.