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Disadvantage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disadvantage

[หŒdษชsษ™dหˆvษ‘หntษชdส’ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in business

A condition or factor that puts one at a disadvantage; a drawback or liability.

Synonyms

drawback, handicap, weakness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disadvantage

A general term for any condition or situation that makes someone less effective or successful. Often used in discussions about competitive contexts or personal challenges.

  • Growing up in a poor neighborhood was a definite disadvantage for him.
  • One disadvantage of living in a small town is the lack of job opportunities.
drawback

Used to highlight a specific negative aspect or feature of something. Often in the context of evaluating decisions, products, or plans.

  • The main drawback of this car is its high fuel consumption.
  • One drawback to working from home is the lack of social interaction.
weakness

Refers to any flaw or lack of strength, either physical, mental, or in context of skills and abilities. Often used in personal development, job interviews, or self-assessments.

  • Admitting your weaknesses can be a strength in itself.
  • His main weakness is his inability to work under pressure.
handicap

This term can be sensitive as it traditionally refers to a physical or mental disability. However, it can also mean any obstacle that affects someone's performance. Be cautious with usage due to its potential negative connotation.

  • Her physical handicap doesn't stop her from achieving great things.
  • Lack of access to new technology is a major handicap for the school.

Examples of usage

  • The high cost of labor is a significant disadvantage for the company.
  • Having limited access to capital can be a disadvantage for small businesses.
Context #2 | Noun

in competition

An unfavorable circumstance or condition that reduces the chances of success or effectiveness.

Synonyms

disability, hindrance, obstacle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disadvantage

Used to describe a situation or condition that reduces the chances of success or puts someone in a worse position compared to others.

  • Growing up in a poor neighborhood can be a significant disadvantage when it comes to accessing quality education.
  • The lack of experience was a disadvantage in the job interview.
obstacle

Used to describe something that blocks one's way or prevents progress. Often implies a physical or metaphorical barrier that must be overcome.

  • The fallen tree was an obstacle in the road, blocking traffic for hours.
  • Financial difficulties are often seen as obstacles to pursuing higher education.
hindrance

Describes something that makes it more difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen. It often has a slightly formal tone.

  • His lack of confidence proved to be a hindrance in his career progression.
  • The heavy traffic was a major hindrance to getting to the airport on time.
disability

Refers to a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. Often used in medical, social, and legal contexts.

  • She overcame her disability to become an accomplished artist.
  • The building has been modified to be accessible for people with disabilities.

Examples of usage

  • His lack of experience proved to be a disadvantage in the race.
  • The team's disadvantage was their lack of preparation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often perceive disadvantages more strongly than advantages, which affects decision-making and risk assessment.
  • Research shows that when individuals feel disadvantaged, they might become more motivated to prove themselves, leading to resilience.
  • Understanding perceived disadvantages can improve empathy and social support, helping individuals feel less isolated.

Education

  • Students with learning disabilities may face various disadvantages in traditional education settings, impacting their performance.
  • Programs aimed at leveling the playing field often address disadvantages by providing additional resources and support.
  • Awareness of socio-economic disadvantages has led to reforms in educational policies to create more equitable resources.

Sports

  • In sports, a disadvantage can refer to a team playing without a key player or in poor weather conditions that affect performance.
  • The idea of 'home advantage' highlights how playing in a familiar environment can offset disadvantages faced by traveling teams.
  • Coaching strategies often involve overcoming disadvantages by leveraging team strengths and adjusting tactics against opponents.

Economics

  • Economic disadvantages often stem from factors like lack of access to education, affecting employment opportunities.
  • Policies aimed at reducing economic disadvantages include social welfare programs and minimum wage increases.
  • Global economic disparities highlight how some nations face disadvantages in trade and development compared to wealthier countries.

Origin of 'disadvantage'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle French 'desavantage', which means 'to reverse advantage' or 'to take away a benefit'.
  • It is made up of 'dis-', a prefix meaning 'not', and 'advantage', which refers to a favorable condition.
  • The concept has roots in Latin, with 'dis-' meaning apart and 'avant' meaning before, suggesting a state that is lagging behind.

The word 'disadvantage' originated from Middle French 'desavantage', which in turn came from Old French 'desavantage', combining 'des-' (meaning 'opposite of') and 'avantage' (meaning 'advantage'). The term has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to a condition that hinders progress or success.

See also: advantaged, advantageous, advantageously, advantageousness, advantages, disadvantaged.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,014 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.