disadvantage

A bad feature of something that makes it less useful or attractive.

• The price is a major disadvantage.
• Every heating system has advantages and disadvantages.
• What is the main disadvantage of working from home?

How to use it: disadvantage of something (The main disadvantage of this car is its high running cost.); disadvantage to doing something (One disadvantage to living here is the noise.)

Similar words: drawback, downside, con

Opposites: advantage

Common phrases: main disadvantage, major disadvantage, disadvantage of something

A condition that makes it harder for someone to succeed or compete with others.

• Our team was at a disadvantage.
• Poor transport puts rural workers at a disadvantage.
• Did her lack of experience prove a disadvantage?

How to use it: at a disadvantage (Without internet access, students are at a disadvantage.); disadvantage compared with someone (Our small team has a disadvantage compared with larger teams.)

Similar words: handicap, setback

Opposites: advantage

Common phrases: at a disadvantage, unfair disadvantage, competitive disadvantage

To make it harder for someone to succeed or compete fairly.

• The rules disadvantage new players.
• Higher fees disadvantaged poorer students.
• Will this policy disadvantage small businesses?

Similar words: penalize, handicap

Opposites: advantage

Common phrases: disadvantage someone, disadvantage poorer families, disadvantage small businesses