downside

[ doun-sahyd ]

noun

1. the lower side or part.
2. a downward trend, especially in stock prices.
3. a discouraging or negative aspect.

adjective

1. of or involving a decline, especially in stock prices:

   The downside risk on this stock is considered far greater than the potential for gain.

downside

/ ˈdaʊnˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the disadvantageous aspect of a situation

   the downside of twentieth-century living

Word History and Origins

Origin of downside¹

First recorded in 1675–85; down ¹ + side ¹

Example Sentences

The downside to these events seemed much clearer to me than the potential upside, the distance between the Democratic candidate for president and everyday Americans wider than ever.

From Slate

But there’s a very small downside to Trump’s victory, experts say.

From Slate

While it may feel better to think of Trump supporters as misinformed rather than hateful, the downside is that an un-informed public cannot sustain a freely elected democracy.

From Salon

“I don’t really see much of a downside risk,” Baldassare said.

From Los Angeles Times

However, he added the only downside are that there are a lot of accidents and traffic queues, but added “they are dealt with quickly”.

From BBC

Related Words

• disadvantage
• drawback
• flaw
• inconvenience