# advantage

/ædˈvæntɪdʒ/ (US) · /ɐdvˈɑːntɪdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/advantage
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a helpful factor

noun · CEFR A2

a condition or situation that helps you succeed or gives you a better chance than others.

For teachers: a circumstance or condition that provides a superior position or increases the likelihood of success.

- Being able to speak two languages is a big advantage when looking for a job.
- The primary advantage of the new software is its ability to automate repetitive tasks, saving the team hours of manual data entry.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'of' (advantage of something) or 'over' (advantage over someone).

### 2. tennis score

noun · CEFR B2

the score in tennis when a player wins the first point after the score is equal at 40-40.

For teachers: the state of the score in tennis after a deuce, where one player requires a single subsequent point to win the game.

- The server won the point and the umpire called 'Advantage, Williams'.
- After a grueling ten-minute game, the champion finally secured the advantage and prepared to serve for the set.

### 3. playing on after a foul

noun · CEFR B2

a rule in sports like football where the referee lets the game continue after a foul because it helps the team that was attacked.

For teachers: a referee's decision to allow play to continue following a foul if the non-offending team retains a tactical benefit.

- The referee played advantage after the striker was tripped because his teammate still had the ball.
- By signaling advantage instead of blowing the whistle, the official allowed the counter-attack to proceed, resulting in a decisive goal.

### 4. to help or benefit

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to give someone a better chance or to help them succeed.

For teachers: to provide a benefit or a superior position to a person or entity; to place in a more favourable circumstance.

- The new tax laws will advantage small businesses in the local area.
- The proposed trade agreement is designed to advantage domestic manufacturers by reducing the cost of imported raw materials.

Usage: This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.

## Examples

- Knowing a second language is a big advantage in business.
- The home team has a clear advantage because they are used to playing in this cold weather.
- While the new software offers a significant competitive advantage in terms of speed, the high cost of implementation remains a barrier for smaller firms looking to upgrade their systems.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.