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 is the lack of sound isolation or noise cancellation, and the fact that sound isn't contained to the headphones themselves. PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025 The downside is that many people—including those who are aware of the book but haven’t quite got around to reading it—may hear a game-of-telephone version of the argument, not the argument itself. Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 The only downside is GM Terry Fontenot had to deal their 2026 first-rounder to do it. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025 In reaction, investors are bolstering their portfolio defenses, diversifying assets away from the U.S., adding to short-term Treasurys, stocking up on gold and seeking currency hedges amid fear that the risk for both the economy and the stock market is to the downside. Sarah Min, CNBC, 25 Apr. 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 2 May. 2025.

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