dis·ad·van·tage
ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tij 
1
: loss or damage especially to reputation, credit, or finances : detriment
the deal worked to their disadvantage
2
a
: an unfavorable, inferior, or prejudicial condition
we were at a disadvantage
b
: a quality or circumstance that makes achievement unusually difficult : handicap
his lack of formal schooling was a serious disadvantage
Synonyms
Examples of disadvantage in a Sentence
Noun
She had the disadvantage of growing up in a poor community.
They argued that the new regulations would place their company at a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace.
There are advantages and disadvantages to the new system.
Recent Examples on the Web
Aaron Gregg, Washington Post, 25 June 2024
Some early cuts suggest that DCC’s preferred dance styles and beauty standards put women of color at a disadvantage, though the show doesn’t spend much time getting to know the squad’s handful of nonwhite cheerleaders.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 20 June 2024
Jem Aswad, Variety, 12 June 2024
EVs remain predominantly luxury vehicles, inaccessible to many, and when consumers turn to the used vehicle market, prices surge for everyone, further disadvantaging vulnerable populations.
—Gary Baxter, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for disadvantage 
Noun
European regulators said Microsoft put rivals at a disadvantage because the company did not give customers the choice of whether to download Teams.
—Aaron Gregg, Washington Post, 25 June 2024
Some early cuts suggest that DCC’s preferred dance styles and beauty standards put women of color at a disadvantage, though the show doesn’t spend much time getting to know the squad’s handful of nonwhite cheerleaders.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 20 June 2024
Verb
Spotify is also disadvantaging market competitors who are seeking to compete fairly.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 12 June 2024
EVs remain predominantly luxury vehicles, inaccessible to many, and when consumers turn to the used vehicle market, prices surge for everyone, further disadvantaging vulnerable populations.
—Gary Baxter, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for disadvantage
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disadvantage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near disadvantage
Cite this Entry
“Disadvantage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disadvantage. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
disadvantage
1 of 2 noun
dis·ad·van·tage
ˌdis-əd-ˈvant-ij
1
: loss or damage especially to one's good name or finances
the deal worked to our disadvantage
2
a
: a state or condition that favors someone else
was at a disadvantage in educated company
b
: something not helpful : a cause of difficulty
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