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

Despite the drawbacks, AI can be a force for good, says Cory Weiss, WJC’s executive director of communications strategy. —Toby Axelrod, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026

Zero-knowledge proofs, invented in 1985 by the cryptographers Shafi Goldwasser, Silvio Micali, and Charles Rackoff, don’t have this drawback. —Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 11 May 2026

Verb

Heavy draperies on a curtain rod were drawn back to reveal the work, which viewers often had to line up for hours to see. —Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Goodman and Castro drew back-to-back two-out walks to load the bases before Sullivan hit a bases-clearing double to right in the first inning. —ABC News, 29 Apr. 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