underprivileged
Underprivileged is a term used in social policy and everyday language to describe individuals or groups who lack material resources, opportunities, or social privileges that are more readily available to others. It commonly refers to families and individuals experiencing poverty or near-poverty conditions, limited access to education, healthcare, housing, and safe neighborhoods, as well as exposure to discrimination or marginalization that constrains life chances.
Measurements vary; researchers often use poverty thresholds or income-to-needs ratios, deprivation indices, or proxies such as
Causes are multifactorial, including low income, unemployment, unequal education systems, geographic segregation, discrimination based on race,
Policy responses aim to reduce disadvantage through social safety nets, cash transfers, affordable housing, universal or
Critics argue that "underprivileged" is vague or stigmatizing and can obscure systemic causes. Some prefer terms