disadvantage

USdis-uhd-VAN-tij/ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪd͡ʒ/UKdis-uhd-VAHN-tij/ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/

Pluraldisadvantages

Verbdisadvantages, disadvantaging, disadvantaged

4 meanings of disadvantage

1
nouncountable
A bad or weak point that makes something less useful or less liked.
Like a backpack with a torn strap: it still works, but the weak part makes it worse.
One disadvantage of living far from town is the long drive.
The phone has a few disadvantages, like its short battery life.
Similardrawback, downside, weakness, shortcoming, flaw
Oppositeadvantage, benefit, upside, merit
2
nouncountable
A problem that puts someone behind or makes things harder for them.
Like starting a race a few steps behind everyone else.
Starting the race late put her at a disadvantage.
Children from poorer schools often face a serious disadvantage.
Similarhandicap, setback, liability, obstacle
Oppositeadvantage, edge, asset
3
verbtransitive
To put someone in a worse position than others.
Like making one runner carry a heavier bag than the rest.
The new rules disadvantage smaller businesses.
Higher fees disadvantage families with low incomes.
Similarpenalize, handicap, hinder, hamper, hurt
Oppositefavor, benefit, help
4
noununcountable
Harm or loss that comes to someone or something.
Like trading something good for something worse and ending up losing.
He sold the house quickly, much to his own disadvantage.
The mix-up worked to the disadvantage of every customer.
Similardetriment, harm, loss, prejudice
Oppositeadvantage, benefit, gain

Practice

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Origin

This word comes from an old French word, desavantage. English took it in through Middle English as disavauntage.