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

Despite these potential drawbacks, the advantages of competition and innovation far outweigh the complexities. —Zennon Kapron, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

But what are the real benefits and drawbacks of incorporating these practices while on constant business trips? —Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024

Verb

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

Jinnah didn't go down and tell provincial leaders and leaders even lower then them to cut this out, to stop funding these groups and to draw back. —Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2015

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