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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Yes, there are some drawbacks to a cash balance plan. David Rae, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 One drawback is that its eSIM is not transferrable from device to device. PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
People will also draw back from low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas, such as the Ganges Delta of Bangladesh and parts of coastal Florida. Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2025 The livestream would have been a test to draw back younger viewers and cord cutters as the show’s ratings have struggled compared to pre-pandemic. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 2 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Drawback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drawback. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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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