disadvantage

1 of 2

noun

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

disadvantage

2 of 2

verb

disadvantaged; disadvantaging; disadvantages

transitive verb

: to place at a disadvantage : harm

Synonyms

Noun

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

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

Noun

The Sandwich Generation Is A Critical Talent Pool Employers that do not address the increasing eldercare demands on their workforce are likely to face a competitive disadvantage. —Michelle Travis, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Van Rijswijk suggested the discrepancy across the various jurisdictions is likely to leave European banks at a disadvantage. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025

Verb

Khan challenged numerous mergers during her tenure, while working to ensure consumers and workers were not disadvantaged by powerful corporations. —Reuters, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025

These initiatives have helped white men, not disadvantaged them, so there’s a question as to why this anti-DEI movement started – clearly not based on data. —Solange Charas, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English disavauntage, from Anglo-French desavantage, from des- dis- + avantage advantage

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disadvantage

• put/place someone at a disadvantage
• to someone's disadvantage

Kids 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

disadvantage

2 of 2 verb

disadvantaged; disadvantaging

: to place at a disadvantage : harm