Downside Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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downside

[ˈdaʊnˌsaɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in finance

The negative aspect or drawback of a situation, decision, or event. It is the opposite of an upside.

Synonyms

con, disadvantage, drawback.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
downside	Use this when referring to the negative aspects or less desirable qualities of a situation or decision. It implies that there is also an upside or positive aspect. The main downside of working from home is the lack of social interaction with colleagues. One downside of living in the city is the constant noise and traffic.
drawback	Best used to describe minor faults or limitations. It often refers to something that is not a dealbreaker but still not ideal. The biggest drawback of this smartphone is its short battery life. One drawback to this plan is that it requires more initial investment.
disadvantage	Suitable for formal contexts, often used to describe disabilities, systemic issues, or long-term negative impacts. It implies a more significant and lasting negative effect. A major disadvantage of using fossil fuels is the environmental damage they cause. Being located in a remote area can be a disadvantage for businesses trying to reach more customers.
con	This term is typically used in a list of pros and cons to compare the positive and negative aspects of something. It has an informal tone. One of the cons of the new software update is that it requires a lot of memory to run. Although the pay is great, a con of this job is the very long hours.

Examples of usage

The downside of investing in stocks is the risk of losing money.
One downside of working from home is the lack of social interaction.
The downside of the new policy is the increase in paperwork.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in general

A downward trend or direction.

Synonyms

decline, decrease, drop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
downside	This word is used to describe the negative aspect or disadvantage of something, often when weighing pros and cons. The new plan has its benefits, but the downside is the increase in costs. One downside to working from home is the lack of social interaction.
decline	Use this word to indicate a gradual reduction or a polite refusal. It can also describe a deterioration in quality or performance. The company saw a steady decline in sales over the last year. She decided to decline the job offer because the salary was too low. There has been a decline in the quality of service at the hotel.
decrease	This word is used to talk about a reduction in size, number, or intensity. It often conveys a neutral or positive sentiment when talking about reducing negative factors. We need to decrease our expenses to save more money. There was a noticeable decrease in air pollution during the lockdown. The medication helps to decrease the symptoms of the illness.
drop	This word is used to describe a sudden or significant fall in level or amount. It can be used in casual or formal contexts. There was a sudden drop in temperature last night. The stock market experienced a sharp drop this morning. He dropped the ball during the game and lost the point.

Examples of usage

The downside of the mountain offers a beautiful view.
He looked at the downside of the graph to see the decrease in sales.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

informal

A negative aspect of a person or thing.

Synonyms

blemish, flaw, weakness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
downside	Downside is used when discussing the negative aspects or disadvantages of something that mostly works well. The downside of living in the city is the noise. The downside to this plan is the cost.
flaw	Flaw is used when there is a defect that affects the quality, function, or appearance of something, often more serious than a blemish. There was a flaw in the software that caused it to crash. His argument had a critical flaw.
weakness	Weakness is employed when talking about a lack of strength, a vulnerability, or a shortcoming of a person, plan, or system. Her greatest weakness is her inability to say no. The team's defense is their biggest weakness.
blemish	Blemish refers to a small mark, flaw, or imperfection, often on the skin or a surface. The only blemish on her perfect record was a missed deadline. He noticed a small blemish on the otherwise pristine painting.

Examples of usage

The downside of her personality is her quick temper.
One downside of the new phone is its short battery life.

Translations

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

Origin of 'downside'

The term 'downside' originated in the mid-20th century in the context of finance and investments. It is a combination of the words 'down' and 'side', indicating a negative aspect or direction. Over time, the usage of 'downside' has expanded to describe drawbacks or disadvantages in various contexts beyond finance.