drawback

[ draw-bak ]

noun

1. a hindrance or disadvantage; an undesirable or objectionable feature.
2. Commerce. an amount paid back from a charge made.
3. Government. a refund of tariff or other tax, as when imported goods are reexported.

drawback

/ ˈdrɔːˌbæk /

noun

1. a disadvantage or hindrance
2. a refund of customs or excise duty paid on goods that are being exported or used in the production of manufactured exports

verb

1. to retreat; move backwards
2. to turn aside from an undertaking

Word History and Origins

Origin of drawback¹

First recorded in 1610–20; noun use of verb phrase draw back

Example Sentences

SMRs themselves are being promoted, in part, as a solution to one of the biggest drawbacks facing nuclear power today.

From BBC

Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy acknowledged drawbacks to use of retardant, including harm to aquatic life if it spills into waterways.

From Los Angeles Times

Rather than seeing this as a drawback, this can allow differing views within a society to be captured.

From Science Daily

Each big man has his selling points and drawbacks.

From Los Angeles Times

Being first and right can even have its drawbacks in the current hyper-partisan environment.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• defect
• deficiency
• difficulty
• disadvantage
• failing
• fault
• flaw
• hindrance
• hitch
• impediment
• imperfection
• inconvenience
• obstacle
• shortcoming
• snag
• stumbling block
• weakness