downside

noun

down·​side ˈdau̇n-ˌsīd 

1

: a downward trend (as of prices)

2

: a negative aspect

the downside of fame

Synonyms of downside

• disadvantage
• handicap
• drawback

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

Beyond the study limitations, the keto diet comes with notable downsides. — Stephanie Anderson Witmer, HEALTH, 28 Sep. 2026

But these new rules came with downsides, as smaller schools, women and Olympic athletes, fans and coaches complained about power conferences consolidating power. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Fall’s brisk weather brings with it the promise of cozy knitwear, cashmere socks, and roaring fires—perhaps the only downside is that the grey skies exacerbate the our considerable vitamin D deficiency. — Violet Hayward, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026

The downside is its flimsy construction; the bottom section lacks the rigidity to hold its shape and gives way like a cheap folder. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing downside

• on the downside

Rhymes for downside

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied