disadvantage

1 of 2

noun

dis·​ad·​van·​tage ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tij How to pronounce disadvantage (audio)
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

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
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Noun
Beadle is at a distinct disadvantage in aspiring to one spot where Brighton have an abundance of depth. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 27 June 2025 The state’s labor costs also put California’s growers at a disadvantage. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 25 June 2025
Verb
However, this shift can disadvantage those in physically demanding jobs or with health issues who can't delay retirement, experts have explained to Newsweek. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025 Affordable housing affects all of Charlotte, but hits hard for communities that have been historically disadvantaged, For The Struggle organizers say. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for disadvantage

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of disadvantage was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disadvantage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disadvantage. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

disadvantage

1 of 2 noun
dis·​ad·​van·​tage ˌdis-əd-ˈvant-ij How to pronounce disadvantage (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on disadvantage

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