Synonyms of disadvantage

disadvantage

noun

ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tij 

1

as in handicap

a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success

their lack of height was a disadvantage on the basketball court

Synonyms & Similar Words

• handicap
• drawback
• liability
• shortcoming
• downside
• negative
• obstacle
• minus
• disbenefit
• debit
• strike
• hurdle
• disability
• incommodity
• failing
• impairment
• embarrassment
• stranglehold
• obstruction
• hindrance
• interference
• impediment
• millstone
• albatross
• hitch
• let
• rub
• catch
• clog
• stop
• crimp
• shackle
• trammel
• bar
• check
• manacle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advantage
• edge
• asset
• plus
• margin
• vantage
• control
• start
• lead
• jump
• superiority
• privilege
• predominance
• opportunity
• head start
• drop
• mastery
• command
• ascendancy
• supremacy
• transcendence
• upper hand
• prerogative
• assistance
• aid
• break
• help
• better

2

as in expense

the negative result caused by something that creates difficulty for achieving success

intense pretrial publicity worked to our disadvantage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expense
• despite
• loss
• penalty
• detriment
• injury
• damage
• deficit
• deprivation
• harm
• prejudice
• disfavor
• hurt

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advantage
• favor
• gain

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of disadvantage

Her only real disadvantage in playing a fugitive—or an undercover agent—is a presence so unusual, it can’t be believably disguised. — Judy Berman, Time, 15 July 2026

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being seen that way? — Meghan O’Gieblyn, The New York Review of Books, 11 July 2026

In spite of the one-man disadvantage, Italy scored its second try through Leonardo Marin in the 57th minute. — ABC News, 11 July 2026

The Video Assistant Referee is able to intervene if there is clear and obvious evidence that one of the teams suffered an obvious disadvantage. — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 11 July 2026