disadvantage

n. C / U

B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˌdɪsədˈvænɪdʒ// UK //dˌɪsɐdvˈɑːntɪdʒ// dis·ad·van·tage

General-service

n. something that makes a situation more difficult or makes you less likely to succeed. It is the opposite of an advantage.

n. an unfavourable circumstance or condition that reduces the chances of success or effectiveness. Often contrasted with 'advantage' in comparative analysis.

SIMPLE

One disadvantage of living in the city is the high cost of rent.

CONTEXTUAL

The team's lack of experience proved to be a major disadvantage during the final minutes of the championship game.

COMPLEX

While the new software offers superior processing speeds, its steep learning curve presents a significant disadvantage for smaller firms with limited training budgets.

Synonyms

disfavor

Antonyms

advantage

Origin

From Middle English disavauntage, from Old French desavantage.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' when identifying the source, or 'to' when identifying the person affected.

Idioms1 entry

01
first-mover disadvantage
A situation in which a company or individual that creates or introduces a new idea, product, or service is later at a disadvantage because others are able to copy or improve upon it, making the original seem less innovative or valuable, or because of other factors, such as breaking down barriers (at a cost) that others thus won't have to face.