drawback

1 of 2

noun

draw·​back ˈdrȯ-ˌbak 

1

: a refund of duties especially on an imported product subsequently exported or used to produce a product for export

2

: an objectionable feature : disadvantage

The plan's only drawback is its cost.

draw back

2 of 2

verb

drȯ-ˈbak 

drew back; drawn back; drawing back; draws back

intransitive verb

: to avoid an issue or commitment

Synonyms of drawback

Noun

• disadvantage
• handicap

Examples of drawback in a Sentence

Noun

The trip sounds great, but cost is a major drawback.

this plan has only one drawback: it's unworkable

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Potential Drawbacks While maple and agave syrups are often viewed as healthy alternatives to table sugar, both come with potential drawbacks. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 13 Nov. 2025

Advertisement What are the drawbacks? —Chantelle Lee, Time, 11 Nov. 2025

Verb

Jeffrey Viel drew back into the lineup on the fourth line with Sean Kuraly and Mikey Eyssimont while Alex Steeves, the former Toronto farmhand who was recalled from Providence, will see second-line duty with Pavel Zacha and Viktor Arvidsson. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

Displays of his costumes will be combined with his narration and behind-the-scenes video, photos and sketches to draw back the curtain to show how imagination becomes reality. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1572, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for drawback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

drawback

noun

draw·​back ˈdrȯ-ˌbak 

: an undesirable feature : disadvantage entry 1