vulnerable groups

[/ˈvʌlnərəbəl ɡruːps/]
noun phrasepl: vulnerable groups
grupos vulneráveis
1. Populations or communities that are at increased risk of poverty, discrimination, or social exclusion due to their social, economic, health, or demographic characteristics
Vulnerable groups such as elderly people and low-income families require targeted government assistance programs.
Grupos vulneráveis como idosos e famílias de baixa renda precisam de programas de assistência governamental direcionados.
2. Individuals or communities who face systemic barriers and have limited access to resources, rights, or opportunities
The non-profit organization focuses on protecting the rights of vulnerable groups in the region.
A organização sem fins lucrativos se concentra em proteger os direitos dos grupos vulneráveis na região.
3. People who are susceptible to harm, exploitation, or abuse due to their circumstances or status
Children, migrants, and people with disabilities are considered vulnerable groups in many societies.
Crianças, migrantes e pessoas com deficiência são consideradas grupos vulneráveis em muitas sociedades.
This term is widely used in Brazilian and Portuguese policy discussions, particularly in contexts related to social welfare, public health, education, and human rights. In Brazil, discussions about vulnerable groups often focus on poverty, racial inequality, and access to basic services. In the USA, the term is common in nonprofit work, public health, and social justice contexts. The concept reflects growing awareness of systemic inequalities and the need for targeted interventions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
at-risk groupsmarginalized groupsdisadvantaged groupsunderrepresented communitiesunderprivileged populations
Antonyms / Antônimos
privileged groupsdominant groupsadvantaged populationsempowered communities

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
grupos vulneráveis
Standard term used in government policy, NGOs, and academic contexts
Brazilian Portuguese - Social Services
populações vulneráveis
Commonly used in social work and public health sectors
Brazilian Portuguese - Legal
grupos em situação de vulnerabilidade
More formal legal terminology
Portugal
grupos vulneráveis
Same as Brazilian usage; term is consistent across Portuguese-speaking countries

Related Words

social exclusionmarginalizationdiscriminationinequalitypovertydisadvantagehuman rightssocial protection

Related Idioms & Phrases

at the margins of society
fall through the cracks
left behind
on the wrong side of the tracks
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