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

Example Sentences

Magyar promises to tackle corruption, improve the economy and he has sought to woo Hungary's disadvantaged Roma community.

From BBC

Yet another future president might have retraced a path toward more balanced economic or security policies once the disadvantages of trade wars or diplomatic and military isolation became obvious.

From Salon

"The biggest competitive disadvantage right now is energy prices," said Reiche.

From Barron's

The charity says there's a risk that some disadvantaged children may have less access to early years education than those in working families.

From BBC

But its effectiveness may vary, and there are some disadvantages to consider in the long run, according to the report released Monday night.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• detriment
• harm
• prejudice