Disadvantageous: meaning, definitions and examples

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disadvantageous

 

[ ˌdɪsədˈvæn.tɪ.dʒəs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

negative effect

Disadvantageous refers to something that causes harm or puts someone at a disadvantage, often in situations such as competition or opportunity. It implies an unfavorable position or circumstances that can lead to detrimental outcomes.

Synonyms

detrimental, harmful, unfavorable

Examples of usage

  • The new policy was disadvantageous to small businesses.
  • His lack of experience proved disadvantageous in the job interview.
  • The weather conditions were disadvantageous for the athletes.

Translations

Translations of the word "disadvantageous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desfavorável

🇮🇳 हानिकारक

🇩🇪 nachteilig

🇮🇩 merugikan

🇺🇦 негативний

🇵🇱 niekorzystny

🇯🇵 不利な

🇫🇷 défavorable

🇪🇸 desventajoso

🇹🇷 dezavantajlı

🇰🇷 불리한

🇸🇦 غير مواتٍ

🇨🇿 nevýhodný

🇸🇰 nepriaznivý

🇨🇳 不利的

🇸🇮 neugoden

🇮🇸 óhagstæður

🇰🇿 залал келтіретін

🇬🇪 არასარგებლო

🇦🇿 xeyir verməyən

🇲🇽 desventajoso

Word origin

The word 'disadvantageous' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'dis-', which suggests negation or removal, and the root word 'advantageous', which comes from Middle French 'avantageux', meaning beneficial or favorable. The use of 'dis' in this context inverses the meaning, signifying a lack of advantage or a state that is unfavorably inclined. The term has evolved to represent various scenarios where circumstances or attributes hinder progress or success. The earliest known usage of the word in English dates back to the early 19th century, appearing in literary and legal contexts that examined fairness and opportunity. Over time, its application has expanded across various domains, including business, sports, and social discussions, highlighting its relevance in contemporary discourse.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,256, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.