Word
disadvantage
Phoneticsdis·ad·van·tage, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdɪsədˈvænɪdʒ/
UK/dˌɪsɐdvˈɑːntɪdʒ/
Definitions
01a drawback
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a quality or feature that makes something less useful or attractive.
n. an undesirable characteristic or drawback that reduces the effectiveness or appeal of something.
“The main disadvantage of living in the city center is the constant noise.”
“One significant disadvantage of the proposed software update is its lack of compatibility with older hardware systems.”
02an unfair position
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a situation that makes it harder for you to succeed than for other people.
n. a state or condition that puts someone in an inferior or less favourable position compared to others.
Español:desventaja
“He was at a disadvantage during the interview because he didn't have much experience.”
“Children from low-income families often start their education at a distinct disadvantage compared to their wealthier peers.”
03to put at a loss
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to put someone in a position where they have less chance of success than others.
v. to place someone or something in an unfavourable or inferior position. Transitive — always takes a direct object.
“The new tax laws might disadvantage small business owners.”
“The committee was concerned that the new criteria would unfairly disadvantage applicants from non-traditional backgrounds.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “disadvantage” in context.
Verb
01. have disadvantage
“Students who do not have access to the internet have a disadvantage when doing research.”
verb + noun
Noun
02. disadvantage include
“The main disadvantages include the high cost of the project and the long time required to finish it.”
noun + verb
Etymology
From Middle English disavauntage, from Old French desavantage.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/disadvantage
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0