underprivileged

adjective

un·​der·​priv·​i·​leged ˌən-dər-ˈpriv-lijd How to pronounce underprivileged (audio)
-ˈpri-və-
1
: deprived through social or economic condition of some of the fundamental rights of all members of a civilized society
2
: of or relating to underprivileged people
underprivileged areas of the city

Examples of underprivileged in a Sentence

an organization that distributes free books to underprivileged children
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In it, attention-seeking Dunder Mifflin manager Michael Scott (Carell) pledges to pay the college tuition for a group of underprivileged third-graders. Shania Russell, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2025 Usher’s New Look non-profit helps underprivileged teens find their passions and finish their education. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2025 As part of a program to help less fortunate communities, Jennifer is also overseeing the conversion of a San Francisco space to function as a ballet studio for underprivileged kids. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025 Since its establishment, the company’s ethos has been centered on community involvement with a focus on underprivileged youth. Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underprivileged

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underprivileged was in 1896

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Cite this Entry

“Underprivileged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underprivileged. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

underprivileged

adjective
un·​der·​priv·​i·​leged -ˈpriv-(ə-)lijd How to pronounce underprivileged (audio)
: having fewer privileges than others : poor

More from Merriam-Webster on underprivileged

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