disadvantage

1 of 2

noun

dis·​ad·​van·​tage ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tij How to pronounce disadvantage (audio)
Synonyms of disadvantage
1
: loss or damage especially to reputation, credit, or finances : detriment
the deal worked to their disadvantage
2
a
: an unfavorable, inferior, or prejudicial condition
we were at a disadvantage
b
: a quality or circumstance that makes achievement unusually difficult : handicap
his lack of formal schooling was a serious disadvantage

disadvantage

2 of 2

verb

disadvantaged; disadvantaging; disadvantages

transitive verb

: to place at a disadvantage : harm

Synonyms of disadvantage

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of disadvantage in a Sentence

Noun She had the disadvantage of growing up in a poor community. They argued that the new regulations would place their company at a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace. There are advantages and disadvantages to the new system.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Darman sketched out on paper a comparison of all the advantages and disadvantages of continuing to work at the Post while writing books, versus moving to TV. — Bob Woodward, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Illinois Republicans are angry that the congressional map is deliberately drawn to their serious disadvantage, with some districts almost comically gerrymandered. — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
DeWine depicted the executive order as a measure to ensure that schools in his state are not disadvantaged by other states allowing for ineligible players. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Others use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which lets anyone form an LLC, open a business bank account, and start a contracting business without legal status, disadvantaging law-abiding Americans. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disadvantage

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English disavauntage, from Anglo-French desavantage, from des- dis- + avantage advantage

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disadvantage was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing disadvantage

Rhymes for disadvantage

See All Rhymes for disadvantage

Browse Nearby Words

disadvance
disadvantage
disadvantaged
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disadvantage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disadvantage. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

disadvantage

1 of 2 noun
dis·​ad·​van·​tage ˌdis-əd-ˈvant-ij How to pronounce disadvantage (audio)
1
: loss or damage especially to one's good name or finances
the deal worked to our disadvantage
2
a
: a state or condition that favors someone else
was at a disadvantage in educated company
b
: something not helpful : a cause of difficulty

disadvantage

2 of 2 verb
disadvantaged; disadvantaging
: to place at a disadvantage : harm
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