Synonyms of downside

downside

noun

ˈdau̇n-ˌsīd 

as in disadvantage

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

the downside of living in the country is, of course, the long commute to work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of downside

In the same polling that found Hong building a lead, 88% of Democrats said that the downsides of data centers outweigh the benefits. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 31 July 2026

However, there may also be some downsides to your morning cup of joe. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 31 July 2026

The downside is that the active ingredients can trigger stinging, breakouts or reactions in people with sensitive skin. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

While resembling a famous parent probably comes with some downsides, there’s no arguing that the kids on this list won the genetic lottery. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026