[dis-uh
d-van-tijd, -vahn-] 
| 1. | lacking the normal or usual necessities and comforts of life, as proper housing, educational opportunities, job security, adequate medical care, etc.: The government extends help to disadvantaged minorities. |
| 2. | (used with a plural verb) disadvantaged persons collectively (usually prec. by the): The Senator advocates increased funding for federal programs that aid the disadvantaged. |
[dis-uhd-van-tij, -vahn-] noun, verb, -taged, -tag⋅ing.| 1. | absence or deprivation of advantage or equality. |
| 2. | the state or an instance of being in an unfavorable circumstance or condition: to be at a disadvantage. |
| 3. | something that puts one in an unfavorable position or condition: His bad temper is a disadvantage. |
| 4. | injury to interest, reputation, credit, profit, etc.; loss: Your behavior is a disadvantage to your family's good name. |
| 5. | to subject to disadvantage: I was disadvantaged by illness. |
| dis·ad·van·tage (dĭs'əd-vān'tĭj) n.
To put at a disadvantage; hinder or harm. [Middle English disavauntage, from Old French desavantage : des-, dis- + avantage, advantage; see advantage.] Synonyms: These nouns denote a condition, circumstance, or characteristic unfavorable to success: Poor health is a disadvantage to athletes. To its detriment, the museum has no parking lot. Every job has its drawbacks. Illiteracy is a serious handicap in life. |
| dis·ad·van·taged (dĭs'əd-vān'tĭjd) adj.
Deprived people considered as a group. Often used with the. dis'ad·van'taged·ness n. |