disadvantage

[dis-uhd-van-tij, -vahn-]

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

verb (used with object)

disadvantaged, disadvantaging 

1. to subject to disadvantage.

   I was disadvantaged by illness.

disadvantage

/ 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 )

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of disadvantage¹

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

Example Sentences

Many come from disadvantaged countries in the Middle East, Africa and South and East Asia.

From Los Angeles Times

Young people from a low-income, disadvantaged background aren't doomed to failure, he says, "but the hill to climb is so much harder".

From BBC

He and his wife, Connie, have given away billions through their Ballmer Group to improve the economic mobility of children and families in disadvantaged communities.

From Los Angeles Times

They said that was particularly true of "those from disadvantaged backgrounds".

From BBC

The defence, he added, was disadvantaged by being "devoid of the opportunity to test and challenge" the statements.

From BBC

Related Words

• detriment 
• harm 
• prejudice