downside

American  

[doun-sahyd] / ˈdaʊnˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the lower side or part.

2. a downward trend, especially in stock prices.

3. a discouraging or negative aspect.

---

adjective

1. of or involving a decline, especially in stock prices.

   The downside risk on this stock is considered far greater than the potential for gain.

downside British  

/ ˈdaʊnˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the disadvantageous aspect of a situation

   the downside of twentieth-century living

---

Etymology

Origin of downside

First recorded in 1675–85; down ¹ + side ¹

Example Sentences

Any downside risks to net-interest income are likely to be offset by tailwinds such as structural hedging and lower funding costs, the analyst adds.

From The Wall Street Journal

These trend lines may be good for work-life balance, but the downside for some is profound: Young workers say they’re missing out on opportunities to make friends and find mentors.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The downside risk to copper is a reversal of flows to the U.S. if the refined metal is again exempt from tariffs, which could push inventory into global markets,” analysts at ING said.

From The Wall Street Journal

While the sentiments make sense, the moves “appear overdone on both the upside and downside.”

From Barron's

“The downside risk to copper is a reversal of flows to the U.S. if the refined metal is again exempt from tariffs, which could push inventory into global markets.”

From Barron's

Related Words

• disadvantage
• drawback
• flaw
• inconvenience