underprivileged area

USAGE SUMMARY

"underprivileged area" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a geographic area, usually a neighborhood, where the people living there have less access to resources than the people living in other areas. For example, "The city council has allocated more resources to underprivileged areas in an effort to increase economic and educational opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The programs have mostly blossomed in underprivileged area, but experts think they will soon spread to middle-class suburbs.

The New York Times

Produced by KEO Films Australia for SBS, Struggle Street featured several families in the underprivileged area coping with various mental health, housing and drug issues.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Al Mouadan lived in a middle-class, residential district, midway between Drancy city centre and the train station, Lagarde said, insisting that this was not an underprivileged area.

Vice

"I realized if students graduating from MIT were offered a $35,000 teaching position in a school district in an underprivileged area or a job at Boeing or a bio tech company, the school district would lose most of the time even if the student wanted to teach," said Lansing.

Huffington Post

We calculated the underprivileged area score (UPAS) using the patients' postcode (Jarman, 1993).

British Journal of Cancer

In particular, teaching in an underprivileged area was associated with higher scores for both emotional exhaustion and depersonalization.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

These transform the prospects of people living in underprivileged areas.

The Guardian

The program helps underprivileged areas develop their economic base.

The New York Times

There's so much less opportunity in underprivileged areas of this state," he said.

The Guardian

The £5m CanParent pilot, which the prime minister set up in three underprivileged areas following the 2011 riots, attracted just 2,956 parents, a fraction of the 20,000 expected.

The Guardian

Older people are likely to be more lonely in cities, especially if they are poorer, have physical or mental health issues or live in underprivileged areas.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about areas facing hardship, use "underprivileged area" or similar terms with sensitivity. Provide specific details about the challenges residents face, rather than relying on generalizations or stereotypes.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all residents of an "underprivileged area" share the same experiences or face identical challenges. Recognize the diversity and resilience within these communities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underprivileged area" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to describe a location characterized by socioeconomic disadvantages. It modifies other nouns, providing context about the circumstances within a specific region. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which presents numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "underprivileged area" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe regions facing socioeconomic disadvantages. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase, serving to identify and categorize these areas, and is suitable for a neutral register. While often found in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business documents, it's important to use this phrase with sensitivity and avoid overgeneralizations, ensuring that the specific challenges and resilience of the communities it describes are acknowledged. Consider alternatives such as "deprived area", "low-income area", or "disadvantaged community" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deprived area

Focuses on the lack of essential resources and opportunities.

low-income area

Specifically highlights the economic status of the residents.

impoverished neighborhood

Emphasizes the state of poverty and its impact on the community.

disadvantaged community

Highlights the systemic barriers and inequalities faced by the residents.

economically challenged area

A more formal and euphemistic way to describe the economic difficulties of the area.

distressed neighborhood

Focuses on the visible signs of decline and hardship in the area.

inner-city area

Often refers to older, more densely populated urban areas with socioeconomic problems.

slum area

Refers to extremely poor and overcrowded urban areas with inadequate living conditions. May carry negative connotations.

blighted neighborhood

Suggests a state of decay and neglect, often due to economic decline or urban planning issues.

less fortunate area

A gentler, more indirect way to describe an area with fewer opportunities.

FAQs

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

You can use "underprivileged area" to describe a geographic location facing socioeconomic challenges. For example, "The organization provides resources to schools in "underprivileged areas"."

What are some alternatives to "underprivileged area"?

Some alternatives include "deprived area", "low-income area", or "disadvantaged community", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "underprivileged area" in formal writing?

Yes, "underprivileged area" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, consider using more specific and nuanced language like "economically challenged area" or "disadvantaged community" if greater precision is needed.

What's the difference between "underprivileged area" and "poor area"?

"Poor area" focuses primarily on the lack of financial resources, while "underprivileged area" encompasses a broader range of disadvantages, including limited access to education, healthcare, and other opportunities. Therefore, "underprivileged area" is generally more descriptive.