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
But as a recent Wall Street Journal article pointed out, there are downsides to rapid increases in home values, including higher property taxes.
—
Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 31 May 2025
There isn’t necessarily a downside to picking an original name that rolls off the tongue, is easy to remember, and has no negative associations to date.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 May 2025
Learning the language There are downsides, of course.
—Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
One downside: Earthworms and other beneficial soil residents could be killed by the coffee solution, too.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for downside
Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 31 May 2025
There isn’t necessarily a downside to picking an original name that rolls off the tongue, is easy to remember, and has no negative associations to date.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 May 2025
Learning the language There are downsides, of course.
—Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
One downside: Earthworms and other beneficial soil residents could be killed by the coffee solution, too.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for downside
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downside
Noun
-
Interestingly, the researchers also found that participants who faced greater social disadvantage, due to lower education, lower income, or identifying as an ethnic minority, experienced even greater improvements from performing micro-acts of joy.—
Paul McClure
June 14,
New Atlas,
14 June 2025
-
If on-field results and the at-large selection process in the 5+11 model place the Big 12 at a regular disadvantage, fine.—
Jon Wilner,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
In 1936, famed Olympic runner Jesse Owens raced a horse in a 100-yard dash and won thanks in part to a 40-yard handicap).—
Emily Barone,
Time,
19 July 2017
-
LNK classes have done everything from installing handicap doors at Redwood to creating a Healthy Newborn site for Transitions that serves mothers going through addiction recovery.—
Brent Cooper,
Cincinnati.com,
17 July 2017
Noun
-
Buy with a Side of Volatility Lululemon checks nearly every box: strong growth, solid profitability, and a fortified balance sheet, with the only drawback being its susceptibility during market downturns.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
-
For added pressure, Our Ag Future has shared testimonies from North Carolina farmers on how repealing duty drawback would hurt their bottom lines.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downside.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downside. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share