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

Ultimately, that puts owners of older properties at a distinct disadvantage.

From The Wall Street Journal

Elba, known for his roles in hit TV series "The Wire" and "Luther", was knighted for services to young people, having founded an international charity that helps support disadvantaged youngsters.

From Barron's

The research examined maladaptive decision making, which refers to choices that continue to cause harm or disadvantage despite repeated negative consequences.

From Science Daily

It isn’t only murky for coaches, they said, but already a disadvantage to athletes whose pool of competitors now involves former pros.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The filter systems available so far, however, have various disadvantages," explains Dr. Leandra Hamann from the Institute for Organismic Biology at the University of Bonn.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• detriment
• harm
• prejudice