as in disadvantages
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 downsides
However, living so extravagantly has its downsides.
—
Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 9 June 2026
Those plans met fierce opposition from environmental groups and local communities concerned about climate impacts, coal dust, rail traffic and other potential downsides.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
There are other downsides to that though, of course.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 3 June 2026
At the same time, the downsides of the Spanish boom show just how precarious these sorts of gains can be.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
The aim would seem to be to stridently prevent or mitigate the downsides and ensure that the upsides are widely and readily available.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Liquid detergent does have its downsides.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026
Knock-on effects For fans, there are obvious downsides to this new form of pricey, slow ticketing.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 28 May 2026
For young people, that can come with big downsides.
—Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 28 May 2026
Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 9 June 2026
Those plans met fierce opposition from environmental groups and local communities concerned about climate impacts, coal dust, rail traffic and other potential downsides.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
There are other downsides to that though, of course.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 3 June 2026
At the same time, the downsides of the Spanish boom show just how precarious these sorts of gains can be.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
The aim would seem to be to stridently prevent or mitigate the downsides and ensure that the upsides are widely and readily available.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Liquid detergent does have its downsides.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026
Knock-on effects For fans, there are obvious downsides to this new form of pricey, slow ticketing.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 28 May 2026
For young people, that can come with big downsides.
—Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downsides
disadvantages
Noun
-
Similar to how van Gisbergen debuted on a brand-new NASCAR circuit, thereby negating some of the disadvantages that come with racing in a series for the first time, Magnussen will have the same opportunity at San Diego.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
-
In comparison, the new players have their own advantages and disadvantages.—
David Szondy
May 31,
New Atlas,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downsides.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downsides. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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