drawback

American  

[draw-bak] / ˈdrɔˌbæk /

noun

1. a hindrance or disadvantage; an undesirable or objectionable feature.

2. Commerce. an amount paid back from a charge made.

3. Government. a refund of tariff or other tax, as when imported goods are reexported.

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drawback British  

/ ˈdrɔːˌbæk /

noun

1. a disadvantage or hindrance

2. a refund of customs or excise duty paid on goods that are being exported or used in the production of manufactured exports

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verb

1. to retreat; move backwards

2. to turn aside from an undertaking

Etymology

Origin of drawback

First recorded in 1610–20; noun use of verb phrase draw back

Example Sentences

There are, of course, drawbacks to relying too heavily on bots to do software development work.

From The Wall Street Journal

Previous studies have already shown that very high antioxidant intake can have drawbacks.

From Science Daily

One drawback of Wales' enterprising style under Bellamy is the way in which it can leave them defensively vulnerable.

From BBC

While it lacks live support and has a prorated refund policy, these drawbacks are minor.

From Salon

“The benefits of scale across categories no longer outweigh the drawbacks of complexity,” wrote Bernstein analyst Callum Elliott in a note to clients Friday.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• defect
• deficiency
• difficulty
• disadvantage
• failing
• fault
• flaw
• hindrance
• hitch
• impediment
• imperfection
• inconvenience
• obstacle
• shortcoming
• snag
• stumbling block
• weakness