drawback

1 of 2

noun

draw·​back ˈdrȯ-ˌbak How to pronounce drawback (audio)
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

drew back; drawn back; drawing back; draws back

intransitive verb

: to avoid an issue or commitment

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 See all Example Sentences for drawback 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1572, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drawback was in 1572

Dictionary Entries Near drawback

Cite this Entry

“Drawback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drawback. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

drawback

noun
draw·​back ˈdrȯ-ˌbak How to pronounce drawback (audio)
: an undesirable feature : disadvantage entry 1

More from Merriam-Webster on drawback

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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