Downside: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.