disadvantage

1 of 2

noun

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

disadvantage

2 of 2

verb

disadvantaged; disadvantaging; disadvantages

transitive verb

: to place at a disadvantage : harm

Synonyms

Noun

• debit
• disbenefit
• downside
• drawback
• handicap
• incommodity
• liability
• minus
• negative
• strike

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

Noun

However, critics argue that redirecting federal funds to expand school choice could further strain public schools and exacerbate educational inequalities by weakening public schools—and leaving those without access to alternative education options at a disadvantage. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025

The announcement that Facebook will no longer try to combat incorrect information in posts will also put Newsom at a disadvantage, Madrid said. —Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025

Verb

Interviews, for example, often prioritize verbal communication and social cues, which can disadvantage talented candidates. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Officials are also looking at tightening subsidies based on a battery’s energy density and the value of recycled metals, which will likely disadvantage EVs that use lithium-iron-phosphate batteries — the kind typically used by Chinese manufacturers. —Heejin Kim, Fortune Asia, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English disavauntage, from Anglo-French desavantage, from des- dis- + avantage advantage

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantage

• put/place someone at a disadvantage
• to someone's disadvantage

Kids 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

disadvantage

2 of 2 verb

disadvantaged; disadvantaging

: to place at a disadvantage : harm