drawback

1 of 2

noun

draw·​back ˈdrȯ-ˌbak 

1

: a refund of duties especially on an imported product subsequently exported or used to produce a product for export

2

: an objectionable feature : disadvantage

The plan's only drawback is its cost.

draw back

2 of 2

verb

drȯ-ˈbak 

drew back; drawn back; drawing back; draws back

intransitive verb

: to avoid an issue or commitment

Synonyms

Noun

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

Examples of drawback in a Sentence

Noun

The trip sounds great, but cost is a major drawback.

this plan has only one drawback: it's unworkable

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The only drawback is how the port deals with cutscenes and other nonplayable moments. —Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024

The only major drawback is the battery life, which leaves a lot to be desired. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Verb

With Smith out, rookie Ethan Cardwell, who has sat out the last two games, will draw back into the Sharks lineup. —Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 7 Dec. 2024

Andrius Kubilius drew back the curtain about an hour into his November 6 confirmation hearing as the European Union’s first-ever commissioner for defense and space. —Tamar Jacoby, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1572, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

drawback

noun

draw·​back ˈdrȯ-ˌbak 

: an undesirable feature : disadvantage entry 1