Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Disadvantaged'

English Word: disadvantaged

Key Russian Translations:

• обездоленный [ɐbʲɪzˈdolʲɪnɨj] - [Formal, Often used for social or economic contexts]
• неблагополучный [nʲɪbləɡəpəˈlut͡ɕnɨj] - [Neutral, Broader usage for unfavorable conditions]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific social or economic discussions)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "обездоленный"; B1 (Lower Intermediate) for "неблагополучный"

Pronunciation (Russian):

обездоленный: [ɐbʲɪzˈdolʲɪnɨj]

Note on обездоленный: Stress falls on the third syllable; the "о" sounds are reduced in unstressed positions.

неблагополучный: [nʲɪbləɡəpəˈlut͡ɕnɨj]

Note on неблагополучный: Stress on the fifth syllable; ensure soft pronunciation of "ч".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Socially or Economically Deprived

Translation(s) & Context:

• обездоленный - Often used to describe individuals or groups lacking basic resources or opportunities, especially in formal or written contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Обездоленные дети нуждаются в нашей помощи.

  Disadvantaged children need our help.

• Многие обездоленные люди живут в этом районе.

  Many disadvantaged people live in this area.

• Правительство помогает обездоленным семьям.

  The government supports disadvantaged families.

2. Generally Unfavorable or Problematic

Translation(s) & Context:

• неблагополучный - Used for describing unfavorable situations, environments, or conditions, not necessarily tied to economic status.

Usage Examples:

• Это неблагополучный район города.

  This is a disadvantaged area of the city.

• У неё была неблагополучная юность.

  She had a disadvantaged youth.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

обездоленный (Adjective): Declines according to standard Russian adjective rules based on gender, number, and case.

неблагополучный (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for обездоленный:

• бедный (poor, in terms of resources)
• несчастный (unfortunate, broader emotional connotation)

Synonyms for неблагополучный:

• проблемный (problematic)
• неблагоприятный (unfavorable)

Antonyms:

• благополучный (well-off, prosperous)
• обеспеченный (provided for, secure)

Related Phrases:

• обездоленные слои населения - Disadvantaged segments of the population.
• неблагополучная семья - Disadvantaged or dysfunctional family.
• жить в неблагополучных условиях - To live in disadvantaged or unfavorable conditions.

Usage Notes:

• "обездоленный" is more specific to social or economic deprivation and carries a stronger emotional tone, often used in formal or literary contexts.
• "неблагополучный" is broader and can refer to any unfavorable situation, not just economic disadvantage.
• Choose "обездоленный" when emphasizing personal hardship or loss; use "неблагополучный" for general unfavorable conditions or environments.

Common Errors:

Error 1: Confusing "обездоленный" with "бедный" when the context implies emotional or social deprivation rather than just poverty.

Incorrect: Бедные дети не имеют образования. (if the focus is on social disadvantage, not just lack of money)

Correct: Обездоленные дети не имеют образования. (Disadvantaged children lack education.)

Explanation: "бедный" primarily means "poor" in a financial sense, while "обездоленный" better captures broader social disadvantage.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "обездоленный" often carry a deep emotional weight, reflecting historical contexts of hardship, such as post-war periods or economic transitions. Using this term can evoke empathy and a call for social responsibility among native speakers.

Related Concepts:

• социальное неравенство (social inequality)
• бедность (poverty)
• дискриминация (discrimination)