Word
downside
Phoneticsdown·side, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdaʊnˌsaɪd/
UK/dˈaʊnsaɪd/
Definitions
01a disadvantage
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. the negative part or disadvantage of something.
n. a disadvantageous aspect of a situation that is otherwise positive or advantageous.
“The new job pays very well, but the downside is the long commute.”
“While the merger offers significant market expansion, the potential downside involves a complex integration of two very different corporate cultures.”
Synonyms
02financial decline
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Mathematics Technical
n. a drop in the price of something, like company shares.
n. a downward trend or potential for decline, particularly regarding the market price of securities or commodities.
“Investors are worried about the downside if the housing market slows down.”
“Analysts suggested that the stock had limited downside at its current valuation, given the strong cash reserves of the parent company.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun in financial analysis.
Etymology
Compound of down + side.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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 · Intermediate
- Updated
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