downside

noun

down·​side ˈdau̇n-ˌsīd How to pronounce downside (audio)
Synonyms of downsidenext
1
: a downward trend (as of prices)
2
: a negative aspect
the downside of fame

Examples of downside in a Sentence

He could find no downside to the car. the downside of living in the country is, of course, the long commute to work
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Secure the downside now, and give your portfolio the flexibility to navigate whatever comes next. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 8 June 2026 The only downside to picking up extra umbrella coverage is the cost, but these policies are usually affordable. Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 8 June 2026 The downside of having a pacemaker is that getting one requires surgery, as well as having the device permanently implanted. Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026 Those plans met fierce opposition from environmental groups and local communities concerned about climate impacts, coal dust, rail traffic and other potential downsides. Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for downside

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of downside was in 1905

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Cite this Entry

“Downside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downside. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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