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

TV station owners are limited to reaching 39% of the country, which companies say puts them at a disadvantage in competing against tech giants that have no such restriction in their media endeavors.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But there is still a "disproportionate" number of disadvantaged children, he said, particularly pupils with special educational needs and disabilities missing their lessons too often.

Read more on BBC

This arrangement allows students at the top of the curve to distinguish themselves, while not disadvantaging the majority of those who earn a “P.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Most of that goes to projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as renewable energy, and not to adaptation -- something developing nations have long complained puts them at a disadvantage.

Read more on Barron's

It would also disadvantage the world’s largest LNG exporter: the U.S.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• detriment 
• harm 
• prejudice