disadvantages

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of disadvantage.

   Each location offered clear advantages and equally clear disadvantages.

   Investors weighed the disadvantages of the deal against its long-term gains.

   Note

   The countable plural of the noun, and the one that pairs most naturally with advantages. It names a list of drawbacks, cons or handicaps, each weighed against the others. The same spelling also serves as the verb's present-tense form. Position settles which one you have: after the, these or a number it is a noun, and after a singular subject with an object following it is a verb.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of disadvantage.

   The scheduling system disadvantages students who work evening jobs.

   Such a tax disadvantages small businesses competing with larger chains.

   Note

   A verb that always takes an object: something disadvantages someone. In effect it compresses the phrase "puts at a disadvantage" into one word, and it suits writing about rules, systems and policies that handicap a group. Use it with a singular subject, such as a law, a tax or a schedule. For telling it apart from the identical noun spelling, see the plural noun.

Showing meanings only. Show all 2