downside

noun

down·​side ˈdau̇n-ˌsīd How to pronounce downside (audio)
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 of the RSN collapse, which has impacted the NBA and MLB as well, has been softened by the fact that RSNs in Canada have remained strong. Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2025 The downside is the stellarator is more complex and expensive than the more standardized tokamak. Jordan Blum, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025 But for those high earners who are affected by the rule change, there are potential upsides and downsides. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025 Avoid sleeping on your stomach While this position can open up airways for struggling snorers, it's often associated with its potential downsides, Wermter says. Andee Tagle, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025 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 3 Oct. 2025.

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