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

There are drawbacks, industry group says The gasoline tax is the single largest source of revenue for federal highway and public transit programs. —Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026

Carr acknowledged that the rising cost and sometimes inconvenient nature of sports streaming are frustrating fans, arguing the drawbacks ultimately outweigh the benefits. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026

Verb

With Desharnais out, John Kingberg will draw back into the lineup. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026

Also, Henri Jokiharju will draw back into the lineup while Andrew Peeke will sit. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 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