Synonyms of downside

downside

noun

ˈdau̇n-ˌsīd 

as in disadvantage

a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success

the downside of living in the country is, of course, the long commute to work

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disadvantage
• handicap
• drawback
• shortcoming
• minus
• liability
• negative
• debit
• disbenefit
• strike
• incommodity
• obstacle
• hurdle
• disability
• impairment
• albatross
• stranglehold
• failing
• impediment
• millstone
• obstruction
• interference
• hindrance
• let
• embarrassment
• rub
• hitch
• clog
• catch
• stop
• crimp
• shackle
• trammel
• bar
• check
• manacle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advantage
• asset
• edge
• plus
• margin
• vantage
• start
• control
• lead
• jump
• head start
• predominance
• opportunity
• upper hand
• drop
• privilege
• mastery
• command
• transcendence
• ascendancy
• superiority
• supremacy
• prerogative
• assistance
• break
• aid
• help
• better

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of downside

There was no downside because the goalie stayed on the field. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Proponents who are pushing for online casinos in Maryland promise boundless tax revenue with minimal downsides, selectively ignoring who disproportionately pays the price of legalization. — Brianne Doura-Schawohl, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026

An alarming downside is that this openly spurs an AI to potentially wreak havoc and commit cyberattacks throughout the Internet, even though it is seemingly only being tested. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Options like seizing Iranian assets and sanctioning Iran’s trading partners, exchange houses, and Chinese banks all have potential downsides. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2026