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

Its positioning is a drawback for larger cargo vessels, and limits the size and number of vessels the port can host. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 12 Jan. 2026

Although Presta valves are pretty much standard on higher-end bikes' wheels, the things definitely do have their drawbacks. —New Atlas, 11 Jan. 2026

Verb

But, as a football lover, Baden was drawn back to watching the sport at the highest level. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026

When asked by the Herald how an error like this could possibly happen at her level, Healey drew back on her time as Attorney General. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 8 Jan. 2026

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