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

Though the picture has differed from race to race, the candidates have generally espoused a populist, anti-establishment message focused on economic issues, mobilizing their base and overcoming serious funding disadvantages. — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Know More Warren’s fundraising largesse is vital for the party, which is approaching the midterms at a financial disadvantage compared to Republican groups. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Districts are competing for the best talent, which contributes to turnover and puts rural counties especially at a disadvantage. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2026

But scaling back investment across the board risks putting companies at a strategic disadvantage. — Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026