disadvantage

[ dis-uhd-van-tij, -vahn- ]

noun

1. absence or deprivation of advantage or equality.

   Synonyms: hindrance, inconvenience, drawback

2. the state or an instance of being in an unfavorable circumstance or condition:

   to be at a disadvantage.

3. something that puts one in an unfavorable position or condition:

   His bad temper is a disadvantage.

4. injury to interest, reputation, credit, profit, etc.; loss:

   Your behavior is a disadvantage to your family's good name.

   Synonyms: damage, harm, hurt, detriment

verb (used with object)

, dis·ad·van·taged, dis·ad·van·tag·ing.

1. to subject to disadvantage:

   I was disadvantaged by illness.

disadvantage

/ ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒ /

noun

1. an unfavourable circumstance, state of affairs, thing, person, etc
2. injury, loss, or detriment
3. an unfavourable condition or situation (esp in the phrase at a disadvantage )

verb

1. tr to put at a disadvantage; handicap

Word History and Origins

Origin of disadvantage¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English disavauntage, from Anglo-French; Old French desavantage; equivalent to dis- ¹ + advantage

Example Sentences

Given these disadvantages, what is in this deal for the two countries?

From BBC

Children In Need is the BBC's charity for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

From BBC

Then they examined six broad socially disadvantaged groups in India.

From BBC

But others said the admissions exam and additional application requirements are inherently unfair to students of color who face socioeconomic disadvantages.

From Los Angeles Times

It was 14 against 13 when Radadra was initially shown a yellow card, but Fiji responded despite their numerical disadvantage with a fine individual converted try from Muntz as he evaded five Wales defenders.

From BBC

Related Words

• detriment
• harm
• prejudice