DISADVANTAGE Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

disadvantage

noun

ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tij

Definition of disadvantage

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of disadvantage Michelle Cook with Book Drive for Kids said many of the schools the organization serves have high rates of economic disadvantage. — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 For a few years, needing a mortgage was almost a disadvantage for home buyers. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026 Instead of viewing the lack of turnover as a disadvantage, Curry characterized it as a positive. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2026 The spokesperson went on to say that any new standards are designed to account for circumstances that may be outside of an applicant’s control, thus placing them at an unfair disadvantage. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disadvantage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disadvantage

Noun

The 6,970-yard course is challenging but fair and open enough for all handicaps, from the proper tees, to have a good time.

— Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026
Weiss runs a country club where golf clubs become horsepower, fairways give way to a racetrack and the handicap system is measured in lap time.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of handicap

Noun

That analysis gives finance leaders a clearer picture of total risk cost than premium expense alone.

— Randy Sadler, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
That reality can make education savings feel out of reach, especially when families are balancing everyday expenses, changing budgets and uncertain plans for the future.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of expense

Noun

Since high-performing magnet schools tend to enroll the most privileged students and experienced staff, other nearby public schools might experience drawbacks, like decreased enrollment and more staff turnover.

— Beth Lloyd, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026
But a lack of high-end skill, particularly up front, remains the most glaring drawback.

— Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of drawback

Noun

Political observers think Talarico could surge to the fore in the primary despite, or perhaps because of, his outsider status.

— Julia Mueller, The Hill, 11 Sep. 2025
Despite the fact that the age of female winners has been steadily increasing in the last despite, the average female Oscar winner is 39 years old, according to a Sky News 2023 report—almost a decade younger than the average male winner at 47.

— Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2023

Definition of despite

Noun

The attribution of liability that the author references is but one example.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
Bohm’s lawsuit, which was filed in Philadelphia County on March 25, alleged Daniel and Lisa committed financial impropriety while running limited liability companies on his behalf and misrepresented their stakes in those entities.

— Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of liability

Noun

Across a run of six defeats in seven matches, which left his tenure hanging by a thread, the Forest and Brighton losses were the worst.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Rice lipids and jojoba oil seal in moisture and replenish the skin barrier, while 2% ectoin soothes redness and protects against water loss.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of loss

Browse Nearby Words

disaccustomed

disadvantage

disadvantaged

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Disadvantage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disadvantage. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of disadvantage

noun

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