underserved — not receiving enough help, services, or resources that are needed
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not receiving enough help, services, or resources that are needed
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʌndərˈsɜːrvd/
Example Sentences
- My WiFi is so slow, I feel personally underserved by my internet provider.
- Rural areas are often underserved when it comes to public transportation.
- The new policy aims to bring better healthcare to underserved neighborhoods.
underserved
ADJECTIVE[/ˌʌndərˈsɜːrvd/]
not receiving enough help, services, or resources that are needed
The underserved village finally received clean water after decades of waiting.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word combines the Germanic prefix 'under-' (meaning beneath or insufficient) with 'served,' the past participle of 'serve' (to provide or supply). Originally used in tennis terminology where 'underserve' referred to a weak serve lacking force, the term was adapted in the 1960s United States to describe inadequate provision of services, particularly in social welfare policy contexts.
Breakdown
under- (insufficient, beneath) + serve (to provide or supply) + -ed (past participle/adjectival suffix). The construction conveys the meaning of 'insufficiently provided with services or resources.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My WiFi is so slow, I feel personally underserved by my internet provider.”
“Rural areas are often underserved when it comes to public transportation.”
“The new policy aims to bring better healthcare to underserved neighborhoods.”
“As the youngest sibling, I always felt underserved when dessert was divided.”
📚Related Words
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