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

The main drawback is Newfoundland's often variable weather and relatively high average cloud cover. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 19 July 2026

Pros and cons of brokerage account bonuses There are benefits and drawbacks to opening a brokerage account for the bonus. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Verb

The water drew back from the house, left a thick, stinking silt across the floor. — Literary Hub, 16 July 2026

The city also acts as a magnet, drawing back those who once left to explore proverbially greener pastures. — Rima Suqi, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 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