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.
The downside would be minimal, if only to pass along for draft capital down the road. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026 As long as the butter doesn't melt, there's no downside to softening it quickly. Molly Allen, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026 Downsides of Air Traffic Controller Parenting There aren’t many downsides to air traffic controller parenting when it’s done well. Dorian Johnson, Parents, 1 Feb. 2026 The downside of identifying and utilizing such a means or mechanism is that the law can become an uncertain target. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 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 6 Feb. 2026.

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