underprivileged

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'underprivileged' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone or a group of people who lack the basic material necessities, opportunities and/or freedoms needed to lead a quality life. It can be used as a noun or an adjective. For example: "There is an organization that helps underprivileged children get access to good education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's also a concentration of "allergic" children in affluent districts, while children in underprivileged areas remain remarkably non-afflicted, or at least non-diagnosed.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the same time barristers were opening up chambers that offered equal-opportunity pupillages and a commitment to justice for the underprivileged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, he acknowledge the US was "third from the bottom" among advanced countries in terms of upward social mobility, emphasising the need to help underprivileged schools.

The Guardian

People were split over the possible meaning of the gesture, which was made as Kate Middleton was ordered to "keep wrapping" as she prepared presents for underprivileged children during her trip.

The Guardian - Opinion

Barbara Bush, the president's mother, earned no thanks from him for her remark that because many survivors "were underprivileged anyway", their Astrodome quarters are "working very well for them".

The Economist

If you belong to an underrepresented group and meet a recruiter over cocktails at a "diversity event", exploit the connection ruthlessly.Ms Rivera notes that coming from an underprivileged background can actually be a plus, if sold well.

The Economist

Then you put the olive inside an ortolan (a wee bird called 'the garden bunting', in case you are among the underprivileged), and the ortolan inside a lark, and so on and so on.

The Economist

Electoral districting heavily favoured the Sunni Muslim minority, assumed to be more loyal to the Sunni royal family, at the expense of the islands' large, but relatively underprivileged Shia majority.

The Economist

Some of the new converts are from the ranks of the underprivileged (Pentecostalism has spread rapidly in the favelas of Brazil), but many are not.

The Economist

You described Britain's growing public sector as a "liberty-destroying Leviathan", yet state services are also the means through which liberty is ensured for the least advantaged and for those who are discriminated against.The Conservatives' instinct to reduce inheritance tax suggests the party cares more about the freedom of a select few than the far-greater need of the underprivileged.

The Economist

So there is no longer a feeling of the richer EU countries helping their poorer partners – Greece's mess comes across as exploitation of the underprivileged by the pampered.Actually, even this frank analysis has skated over some still nastier gulfs of understanding and misunderstanding.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underprivileged", consider the specific aspect of disadvantage you wish to emphasize, such as economic status, access to education, or social opportunities.

Common error

Be specific about the nature of the disadvantage. Instead of simply labeling a group as "underprivileged", specify whether they are "economically underprivileged", "educationally underprivileged", or "socially underprivileged" to provide a clearer and more nuanced understanding.

Linguistic Context

The term "underprivileged" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe individuals or groups who experience disadvantages due to socioeconomic factors. As Ludwig AI indicates, it accurately describes a lack of opportunities and resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "underprivileged" is a versatile adjective used to describe individuals or groups lacking the advantages and opportunities available to others. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It's crucial to employ the term thoughtfully, being mindful of the specific disadvantages faced by the group in question, such as economic hardship, limited access to education, or social marginalization. While terms like "disadvantaged", "deprived", and "marginalized" offer nuanced alternatives, "underprivileged" remains a common and effective descriptor in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disadvantaged

Focuses on the lack of advantages, often in comparison to others.

deprived

Emphasizes the absence of essential resources or opportunities.

economically disadvantaged

Specifically highlights the economic aspect of lacking opportunities.

impoverished

Highlights the state of being poor or lacking financial resources.

needy

Stresses the requirement for assistance or support.

less fortunate

A more euphemistic term, softening the directness of "underprivileged".

marginalized

Focuses on the social exclusion and lack of power experienced by a group.

disenfranchised

Highlights the deprivation of rights and privileges.

vulnerable

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or exploitation due to a lack of resources.

oppressed

Indicates systematic and unjust treatment by those in power.

FAQs

How can I use "underprivileged" in a sentence?

You can use "underprivileged" to describe individuals or communities lacking opportunities and resources due to socioeconomic factors. For example, "The organization provides support to "underprivileged children" in the community."

What's a better way to say "underprivileged"?

Consider using "disadvantaged", "deprived", or "marginalized" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. Each term highlights a different aspect of lacking advantages.

Is it appropriate to use the term "underprivileged"?

Yes, "underprivileged" is generally acceptable, but it's essential to use it with sensitivity and awareness of the context. Some may prefer "less fortunate" as a more euphemistic alternative, but "underprivileged" remains a commonly used and understood term.

What are some common misconceptions about "underprivileged" communities?

A common misconception is that all "underprivileged people" lack ambition or potential. It's crucial to recognize that systemic barriers and lack of opportunity, rather than inherent traits, often contribute to their circumstances.