English · Word Candidate

disadvantage

/ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: disadvantages · disadvantaging · disadvantaged

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A weakness or undesirable characteristic; con; drawback.

Noun

The disadvantage to owning a food processor is that you have to store it somewhere.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A setback or handicap.

Noun

My height is a disadvantage for reaching high shelves.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To place at a disadvantage.

Verb

They fear it might disadvantage honest participants to allow automated entries.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “disadvantage” mean?

A weakness or undesirable characteristic; con; drawback.

Is “disadvantage” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.