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
Relevance
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 downside
This method also had the practical downside of rendering my colander unusable for straining the rigatoni for my Wednesday-night pasta alla vodka.
—
Alma Avalle, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Feb. 2026
The downside for most of us is that the stunning 'ring of fire' will be witnessed by more penguins than people.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Monk Fruit Does Not Raise Blood Sugar There are many downsides to eating too much sugar.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2026
Precautions There are some downsides to watering your houseplants with rice water.
—Lauren David, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downside
Alma Avalle, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Feb. 2026
The downside for most of us is that the stunning 'ring of fire' will be witnessed by more penguins than people.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Monk Fruit Does Not Raise Blood Sugar There are many downsides to eating too much sugar.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2026
Precautions There are some downsides to watering your houseplants with rice water.
—Lauren David, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downside
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downside
Noun
-
Her trial arguably set a high new bar for proof, and put those who lack it at a disadvantage.—
Gaby Wood,
Vogue,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The team also addressed a major disadvantage that HV devices often face with saltwater.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This week’s tournament lists DeSantis as having a 10-handicap.—
Lawrence Mower,
Miami Herald,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The 75-foot Dry Falls—the most popular in western North Carolina—invites travelers to walk behind it while staying mostly dry or view it from the handicap-accessible overlook.—
Trudy Haywood Saunders,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Are there any drawbacks to air suspension?—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
-
But there are some potential drawbacks.—
Beth Ann Mayer,
Parents,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downside.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downside. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
