dis·ad·van·tage
ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tij 
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
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
Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 19 Mar. 2025
This outdated thinking is becoming a competitive disadvantage for media companies, sponsors, and investors who fail to recognize the shift in consumer preferences.
—Lindsey Darvin, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
C. Anthony Muse, Baltimore Sun, 15 Mar. 2025
Musk’s ongoing feud with OpenAI may also now disadvantage that firm, though Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is the brother of Josh Kushner, whose Thrive Capital is a major and longstanding OpenAI investor.
—David Meyer, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for disadvantage
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Noun
If Eichorn resigned, Republicans would have a two-seat disadvantage.
—Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 19 Mar. 2025
This outdated thinking is becoming a competitive disadvantage for media companies, sponsors, and investors who fail to recognize the shift in consumer preferences.
—Lindsey Darvin, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
Centuries of oppression, from slavery to segregation to modern racial disparities in wealth, education and health, continue to disadvantage Black Marylanders.
—C. Anthony Muse, Baltimore Sun, 15 Mar. 2025
Musk’s ongoing feud with OpenAI may also now disadvantage that firm, though Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is the brother of Josh Kushner, whose Thrive Capital is a major and longstanding OpenAI investor.
—David Meyer, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for disadvantage
Cite this Entry
“Disadvantage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disadvantage. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
disadvantage
1 of 2 noun
dis·ad·van·tage
ˌdis-əd-ˈvant-ij
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
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