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

Will Page, the former chief economist at Spotify, argued in a 2025 report that streaming service algorithms actually disadvantage English-speaking artists from outside the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

Stoecker added: "I'm sure it is a little bit shocking how amazing GB can be with such a disadvantage with the actual sliding side of things, but historically we have done so well."

From BBC

Without a good handle on that starting price, “you will overpay taxes — that’s the main disadvantage.”

From MarketWatch

Scotland's smaller player numbers may be a disadvantage overall, but for individuals it translates to a shorter route to international contention and less chance of being churned out once you get there.

From BBC

Thursday’s announcement, however, brought a renewed sense of hope for accountability and oversight, for Altadena as well as other disadvantaged communities that may soon face climate-related emergencies.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• detriment
• harm
• prejudice