Main Entry: ¹dis·ad·van·tage

Pronunciation: \ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tij\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English disavauntage, from Anglo-French desavantage, from des- dis- + avantage advantage

Date: 14th century

1 : loss or damage especially to reputation, credit, or finances : detriment <the deal worked to their disadvantage>
2 a : an unfavorable, inferior, or prejudicial condition <we were at a disadvantage> b : a quality or circumstance that makes achievement unusually difficult : handicap <his lack of formal schooling was a serious disadvantage>