disadvantage

1 of 2

noun

dis·​ad·​van·​tage ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tij 

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

disadvantage

2 of 2

verb

disadvantaged; disadvantaging; disadvantages

transitive verb

: to place at a disadvantage : harm

Synonyms of disadvantage

Noun

• handicap
• drawback
• liability

Examples of disadvantage in a Sentence

Noun

She had the disadvantage of growing up in a poor community.

They argued that the new regulations would place their company at a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace.

There are advantages and disadvantages to the new system.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Netflix’s The Boroughs, produced by Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer, begins life at a comparative disadvantage. —Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026

In comparison, the new players have their own advantages and disadvantages. —David Szondy may 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026

Verb

These firms will typically purchase homes in cash, disadvantaging individual homebuyers who need to take out a mortgage. —Alex Schwartz, The Conversation, 29 May 2026

Some countries manipulate taxes or regulations in ways that disadvantage American workers and businesses. —Richard W. Rahn, Fortune, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantage

• put/place someone at a disadvantage
• to someone's disadvantage

Rhymes for disadvantage

• advantage
• vantage

Kids Definition

disadvantage

1 of 2 noun

dis·​ad·​van·​tage ˌdis-əd-ˈvant-ij 

1

: loss or damage especially to one's good name or finances

the deal worked to our disadvantage

2

a

: a state or condition that favors someone else

was at a disadvantage in educated company

b

: something not helpful : a cause of difficulty

disadvantage

2 of 2 verb

disadvantaged; disadvantaging

: to place at a disadvantage : harm