disadvantage
4 synonyms and 1 antonyms for disadvantage, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A drawback, weakness, or unfavorable circumstance compared to others.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use disadvantage
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English disavauntage, borrowed from Old French desavantage.
Full origin of disadvantage →Frequently asked questions
What does “disadvantage” mean?
The word “disadvantage” means a drawback, weakness, or unfavorable circumstance compared to others. In plain terms, a downside or unfair handicap that puts someone or something at a lower chance of success.
How do you pronounce “disadvantage”?
“Disadvantage” is pronounced dih-suhd-VAHN-tihj (/ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “disadvantage” in a sentence?
Here is “disadvantage” used in a sentence: “The main disadvantage of the apartment is its distance from the station.”
What is the opposite of “disadvantage”?
The opposite of “disadvantage” — its antonyms — is advantage.
What part of speech is “disadvantage”?
Depending on how it is used, “disadvantage” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “disadvantage” come from?
The word “disadvantage” comes from Old French. From Middle English disavauntage, borrowed from Old French desavantage.
Is “disadvantage” a common word?
“Disadvantage” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “disadvantage” have?
“Disadvantage” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a drawback, weakness, or unfavorable circumstance compared to others.
What is the difference between "disadvantage" and "handicap"?
"Disadvantage" is a general term for a drawback or unfavorable circumstance compared to others, while "handicap" often implies a more specific or persistent limitation, historically tied to physical or competitive contexts. "Disadvantage" is the broader, more neutral word usable in almost any comparison.
What does it mean to "disadvantage" someone as a verb?
As a verb, to "disadvantage" someone means to put them in a weaker or less favorable position compared to others, such as a policy that disadvantages small businesses. This usage focuses on the act of causing the unfavorable circumstance, not just describing it.
What is the opposite of "disadvantage"?
The direct opposite is "advantage," which describes a favorable circumstance or benefit compared to others. The two words are commonly weighed against each other, as in comparing the "advantages and disadvantages" of a decision.