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

Beijing is increasingly becoming a rule-maker in global maritime standards, shaping norms that could disadvantage U.S. and allied shipping interests.

Read more on Barron's

In Wales, free childcare for two-year-olds is being expanded, prioritising disadvantaged areas but there is no support for younger children.

Read more on BBC

That means no narratives about “overcoming obstacles” to signal race or geographic proxies with “intent to advantage or disadvantage” based on race.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

November’s elections won’t be a crystal ball for the midterms, but they’ll reveal marginal advantages and disadvantages for the parties going into next year’s elections.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The BEE legislation requires companies to offer ownership stakes, jobs and other preferences to historically disadvantaged South Africans, including Black, Indian and multiracial people.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• detriment 
• harm 
• prejudice