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

Leaders can use tools like a pros and cons list or scenario analysis to ensure that potential benefits are given equal weight to potential drawbacks. —Bryce Hoffman, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

The drawbacks of insomniacs are the hours available to analyze a conflict—a convincing script, a role-play of possible opinions. —Jennifer Harlan, New York Times, 13 Dec. 2024

Verb

Today, not all U.S. leaders would draw back Washington’s commitment to Europe as quickly—or speak of the alliance with as harsh a tone—as Trump may be inclined to do. —Norbert Röttgen, Foreign Affairs, 22 Nov. 2024

Haunted by an investigation that went unsolved years ago, the aged and beleaguered yet incredibly astute Deke is drawn back into the world of homicide after teaming up with the young, driven, idealistic Jim Baxter (Malek). —Travis Bean, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024

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