English Reference

Word

advantage

Phoneticsad·van·tage, stress on the second syllable

US/ædˈvæntɪdʒ/

UK/ɐdvˈɑːntɪdʒ/

Definitions

01a helpful factor

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

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

n. 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).

Pitfall

The advantage for living in a city is the transport.

The advantage of living in a city is the transport.

Use 'advantage of' when describing the source or owner of the benefit.

Synonyms

02tennis score

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Sports

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

n. 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.”

03playing on after a foul

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Sports

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

n. 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.”

04to help or benefit

C1 · Advanced Formal

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

v. 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.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “advantage” in context.

01. additional advantage 02. competitive advantage 03. confer advantage 04. considerable advantage 05. economic advantage 06. important advantage 07. particular advantage 08. significant advantage

Etymology

From Middle English avantage, avauntage, from Old French avantage, from avant (“before”), from Late Latin ab ante. The spelling with d originates in a latinizing hypercorrection, the a- being falsely supposed to be from Latin ad (see advance). For sense development, compare foredeal.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

advantage(A2)

Related words

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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