noun
Uncommon
downside
DOWN-syd
Downside (noun) means a disadvantage or negative aspect of something otherwise good. Example: “The downside of remote work is feeling isolated.”
noun
1
A disadvantage or negative aspect of something otherwise good.
"The downside of remote work is feeling isolated."
"Every plan has a downside — you just have to weigh it."
2
A downward trend, especially in prices or markets.
"Analysts warned of further downside in the stock."
How to use downside
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe drawback or negative side of something.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
the downside is
downside risk
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Word forms
- Plural
- downsides
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ of remote work is feeling isolated.
Etymology
A compound of down plus side.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for downside
See all rhymes for downside →Frequently asked questions
What does “downside” mean?
The word “downside” means a disadvantage or negative aspect of something otherwise good. In plain terms, the drawback or negative side of something.
How do you pronounce “downside”?
“Downside” is pronounced DOWN-syd (/ˈdaʊnˌsaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “downside” in a sentence?
Here is “downside” used in a sentence: “The downside of remote work is feeling isolated.”
What is the opposite of “downside”?
The opposite of “downside” — its antonyms — is upside.
What part of speech is “downside”?
“Downside” is a noun.
Is “downside” a common word?
“Downside” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “downside” have?
“Downside” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a disadvantage or negative aspect of something otherwise good.
What is the difference between "downside" and "disadvantage"?
"Downside" and "disadvantage" are close synonyms, but "downside" is often used specifically to describe the negative aspect of something that is otherwise good, as in "the downside of the new job is the commute." "Disadvantage" is a more neutral, general-purpose term that doesn't imply the overall thing is positive.
What does "downside" mean in a financial or market context?
In finance, "downside" refers to a downward trend, especially in prices or markets, such as "downside risk" describing the potential for a price to fall. This is distinct from the everyday sense of a disadvantage or drawback.
Is "downside" formal or informal?
"Downside" is a common, everyday word suitable for both casual conversation and professional or financial writing. It is neutral in register and used across contexts from personal decisions to market analysis.
