disadvantage

¹dis·ad·van·tage

noun \ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tij\

Definition of DISADVANTAGE

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>

Examples of DISADVANTAGE

1. She had the disadvantage of growing up in a poor community.
2. They argued that the new regulations would place their company at a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace.
3. There are advantages and disadvantages to the new system.

Origin of DISADVANTAGE

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DISADVANTAGE

Synonyms

debit, disbenefit, downside, drawback, handicap, incommodity, liability, minus, negative, strike

Antonyms

advantage, asset, edge, plus

Related Words

albatross, millstone, stranglehold; disability, impairment; failing, shortcoming; bar, catch, check, clog, crimp, embarrassment, hindrance, hitch, hurdle, impediment, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, rub, shackle, stop, trammel

Near Antonyms

vantage; head start, jump, lead, margin, start; ascendancy (also ascendency), better, command, control, drop, mastery, predominance, superiority, supremacy, transcendence, upper hand; prerogative, privilege; break, opportunity; aid, assistance, help

²disadvantage

transitive verb

Definition of DISADVANTAGE

: to place at a disadvantage : harm

First Known Use of DISADVANTAGE

circa 1534