plural disadvantages
1
a
: something that causes difficulty : something that makes someone or something worse or less likely to succeed than others
This program has the disadvantage [=shortcoming] of being more expensive than the others.
She had the disadvantage of growing up in a poor community.
He felt that his lack of formal education put/placed him at a disadvantage [=made it harder for him to succeed] in the business world.
They argued that the new regulations would place their company at a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace.
b
: a bad or undesirable quality or feature
There are advantages and disadvantages to the new system.
2
: loss, damage, or harm
The deal worked to our disadvantage. [=the deal was harmful to us in some way]
Cite this Entry
“Disadvantage.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/disadvantage. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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