Underfavored

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Lacking favor or preference in comparison to others
2. Being less chosen or supported than alternatives
3. Receiving fewer advantages or less support than others

Etymology: "Underfavored" is a plain formation: the prefix "under-", meaning "below, insufficiently" (from Old English "under"), attached to "favored," the American spelling of "favoured." That adjective comes from Old French "favour," which goes back to Latin "favor," meaning goodwill, partiality, or approval, and ultimately to the Latin verb "favere," "to be well disposed toward." "Under-" has been productive in English since Old English, so compounds like "underpaid," "undervalued," and "underweight" follow the same pattern. The adjective "underfavored" appears in English in the 1600s, though the exact first recorded use is uncertain.

Synonyms: disfavored, unfavored, neglected, overlooked

Antonyms: favored, preferred, supported, privileged