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

What to Know About Roombas Types of Roombas There are a few styles of Roombas available today, all of which have their own benefits (and drawbacks): Standard vacuums: Basic models like the Roomba 694 tend to be the most affordable. —Camryn Rabideau, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024

For all the drawbacks of the desert, Deadline can reveal that Desert Warrior’s delay has been caused by post-production issues, not least wrangling over the movie’s tone, pacing, and length between Wyatt and his paymasters. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2024

Verb

That's great for drawing back fans year after year. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2024

Extend your legs in front of you and grip the other end of the band with elbows bent and shoulders drawn back. —Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 25 Oct. 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