underserved
UK: ˌʌndəˈsɜːvd | US: ˌʌndərˈsɜːrvd
adj. not provided with adequate service or resources
vt. (past tense) failed to provide sufficient service or support
The word "underserved" combines "under" (Old English under, meaning "below" or "insufficient") with "serve" (Latin servire, meaning "to provide") and the past participle suffix "-ed." It emerged in the early 20th century to describe populations or areas lacking adequate services, reflecting societal awareness of inequitable resource distribution. The morphemes logically align: "under" signals deficiency, "serve" denotes provision, and "-ed" marks the state of being affected.
Rural communities are often underserved by healthcare systems.
The report highlighted underserved neighborhoods with limited access to education.
Many nonprofits focus on helping underserved youth.
The government launched initiatives to support underserved small businesses.
Underserved populations face systemic barriers to opportunity.