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.
Two downsides might be aircraft noise and exhaust fumes, and zoning restrictions can limit new development or the expansion of a home. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025 Were there any downsides to becoming successful so young? Ramin Setoodeh, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025 There aren’t many downsides to being a cat owner—but litter boxes are certainly one of them. Jessie Quinn, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025 There are signs that some downsides of the higher tariffs are starting to emerge, the IMF outlook said. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 14 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 23 Oct. 2025.

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