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

But that booming population could be a drawback for older Americans looking for quieter quarters. — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026

The drawback is that most Americans must pay out of pocket for the test, which carries a list price north of $900, before factoring in any discounts. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Verb

The film follows a protagonist returning to his hometown for the first time in 28 years, drawn back by the mystery surrounding a young artistic prodigy. — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

But in recent years tastes began changing; locals and visitors alike were drawn back to the serene atmosphere of the riverfront, with its open spaces, gilded temples, and potent sense of place. — Tony Perrottet, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 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
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

Kids Definition

drawback

noun

draw·​back ˈdrȯ-ˌbak 

: an undesirable feature : disadvantage entry 1