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

Carsley will start work on his report to Tuchel presumably after a rest, and admitted he harbours one major downside from his time in charge.

From BBC

The downside is that their limited lifespan results in vast numbers of spent LIBs that contain dangerous heavy metals and other hazardous materials.

From Science Daily

However, the downside is that a complete blockade of this "editing office" also affects healthy cells, resulting in significant side effects of any spliceosome inhibitor developed so far.

From Science Daily

And while incompetence is better than competence in his appointees, there are downsides.

From Salon

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

Related Words

• disadvantage
• drawback
• flaw
• inconvenience