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
Synonyms
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
Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Even with a lightsaber in his hands and a handful of hostages, our villain seems to be at a disadvantage and forced to continue to improvise.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 8 Jan. 2025
Allison Salisbury, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
Cox has found that both women and men believe that their gender disadvantages them.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for disadvantage 
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Noun
This leaves lower-income workers at a significant disadvantage in creating long-term financial security.
—Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Even with a lightsaber in his hands and a handful of hostages, our villain seems to be at a disadvantage and forced to continue to improvise.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
The problems traditionally disadvantaged workers and learners face can’t be solved by technology operating in a vacuum.
—Allison Salisbury, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
Cox has found that both women and men believe that their gender disadvantages them.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for disadvantage
Dictionary Entries Near disadvantage
Cite this Entry
“Disadvantage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disadvantage. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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