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

Adding toppings or ingredients to oatmeal can have advantages or disadvantages, of course, but the oats at the base of oatmeal offer plenty of benefits. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 9 May 2025

Without immediate legal representation, victims can be at a severe disadvantage. —Ascend Agency, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025

Verb

Still, advocates warn that other options clamping down on eligibility will inadvertently disadvantage millions of people who qualify for the program. —Faith E. Pinho, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025

Editors’ Picks How Healthy Is Tofu? Local elections in 1987 were widely perceived as rigged, disadvantaging a coalition of Muslim parties. —Zia Ur-Rehman, New York Times, 29 Apr. 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

Rhymes for disadvantage

• advantage
• vantage

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