drawback

1 of 2

noun

draw·​back ˈdrȯ-ˌbak How to pronounce drawback (audio)
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

drew back; drawn back; drawing back; draws back

intransitive verb

: to avoid an issue or commitment

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
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Noun
This starts with understanding not just how an AI solution might benefit the business, but what its potential drawbacks might be and how they can be addressed. Matt Kunkel, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Story by: Input Comms Traditional finance has a long list of criticisms, but its biggest drawback has been the continued and often timeless dependence on intermediaries. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
The shrimp will draw back its dactyl clubs and then punch forward, releasing energy from the loaded springs to crack the shells of prey. Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 22 Feb. 2025 Hal wants to live a quiet life, but he’s drawn back into chaos when the monkey reappears, offing poor Aunt Ida (Sarah Levy) in a series of accidents that really feel like overkill. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drawback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1572, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drawback was in 1572

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Cite this Entry

“Drawback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drawback. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

drawback

noun
draw·​back ˈdrȯ-ˌbak How to pronounce drawback (audio)
: an undesirable feature : disadvantage entry 1

More from Merriam-Webster on drawback

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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