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
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Recent Examples of downside
One downside is that Ford has done barely anything to differentiate the cockpit from that of even the cheapest Mustangs.
—
Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
The burger’s one possible downside is the too-thick American cheese, which makes things so slippery that eating the burger is a challenge.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025
It’s not focused on details and downsides.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
That’s the downside of a backfield timeshare.
—Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downside
Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
The burger’s one possible downside is the too-thick American cheese, which makes things so slippery that eating the burger is a challenge.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025
It’s not focused on details and downsides.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
That’s the downside of a backfield timeshare.
—Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downside
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downside
Noun
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But detailed negotiations have dragged out, leaving the country’s key auto making industry at a disadvantage – subject to 25% US tariffs while its rivals in Japan and Europe have already secured much lower rates.—
Will Ripley,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
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The Republican Party may be at a disadvantage in next year's midterm elections, according to new polling.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Not the one who improved their golf handicap.—
Phil Blair,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Oct. 2025
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EconomyFortune 500 Experts say Trump’s $100,000 fee for a talent visa is a handicap on the tech industry.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Another potential drawback of the pescatarian diet is the mercury content of fish.—
Jennifer Lefton,
Verywell Health,
23 Oct. 2025
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The researchers hope to develop a version that's safe, pleasant-tasting and suitable for large-scale production, without the drawbacks of current treatments like tooth staining, tartar buildup and taste changes in the mouth.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downside.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downside. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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