disadvantage

American  

[dis-uhd-van-tij, -vahn-] / ˌdɪs ədˈvæn tɪdʒ, -ˈvɑn- /

noun

1. absence or deprivation of advantage or equality.

   Synonyms:

   hindrance, inconvenience, drawback

2. the state or an instance of being in an unfavorable circumstance or condition.

   to be at a disadvantage.

3. something that puts one in an unfavorable position or condition.

   His bad temper is a disadvantage.

4. injury to interest, reputation, credit, profit, etc.; loss.

   Your behavior is a disadvantage to your family's good name.

   Synonyms:

   damage, harm, hurt, detriment

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verb (used with object)

disadvantaged, disadvantaging

1. to subject to disadvantage.

   I was disadvantaged by illness.

disadvantage British  

/ ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒ /

noun

1. an unfavourable circumstance, state of affairs, thing, person, etc

2. injury, loss, or detriment

3. an unfavourable condition or situation (esp in the phrase at a disadvantage )

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verb

1. (tr) to put at a disadvantage; handicap

Etymology

Origin of disadvantage

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English disavauntage, from Anglo-French; Old French desavantage; equivalent to dis- ¹ + advantage

Explanation

A piece of bad luck or a less favorable position is a disadvantage. If you are trying to run a fifty-yard dash in flip flops when everyone else has on running shoes, you'll be at a disadvantage. It's harder to be successful when you start with a disadvantage. One kind of disadvantage is being born into a poor family — it's a struggle for a child in poverty to do well in school, attend college, or end up with a well-paying job. A disadvantage is the opposite of an advantage, a lucky or favorable circumstance. At the root of both words is the Old French avant, "at the front."

Example Sentences

The trio created an Index of Deep Disadvantage, measuring not just income and wealth but other markers including health and education.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2023

The author of the report, called "Double Disadvantage," said it is one of the first to examine the financial plight of undocumented women as separate from the plight of undocumented men in the United States.

From Salon • Jun. 16, 2023

Disadvantage: Light microscopes can be used only in the presence of light and are costly.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Disadvantage: Most debt providers require collateral or equity cushion in order to loan you money and terms can be expensive.

From Inc • Jan. 3, 2012

Mr. Spectator, 'You have given many Hints in your Papers to the Disadvantage of Persons of your own Sex, who lay Plots upon Women.

From The Spectator, Volume 2. by Addison, Joseph

Related Words

• detriment
• harm
• prejudice