noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

drawback

DRAW-bak

Drawback (noun) means a disadvantage or downside to something otherwise good. Example: “The only drawback of the new flat is its distance from the station.”

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.

noun

A disadvantage or downside to something otherwise good.

"The only drawback of the new flat is its distance from the station."

"One drawback of the plan is its high cost."

How to use drawback

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA downside or negative point that weighs against something's benefits.

Common pairings

the main drawback a serious drawback drawback of

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like drawback.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

drawbacks plural

Test yourself on “drawback” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The only _____ of the new flat is its distance from the station.

Etymology

Formed from draw plus back, originally referring to a refund of import duty when goods were re-exported.

Frequently asked questions

What does “drawback” mean?

The word “drawback” means a disadvantage or downside to something otherwise good. In plain terms, a downside or negative point that weighs against something's benefits.

How do you pronounce “drawback”?

“Drawback” is pronounced DRAW-bak (/ˈdɹɔˌbæk/ in IPA).

How do you use “drawback” in a sentence?

Here is “drawback” used in a sentence: “The only drawback of the new flat is its distance from the station.”

What part of speech is “drawback”?

“Drawback” is a noun.

Is “drawback” a common word?

“Drawback” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include drawback:

Words that end with K