disadvantage
disadvantage
Pronunciation
disadvantage
/ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒ/
dis-: /dɪs/
/d/ - voiced alveolar plosive
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative
ad-: /əd/
/ə/ - schwa (mid-central unrounded vowel)
/d/ - voiced alveolar plosive
van-: /væn/
/v/ - voiced labiodental fricative
/æ/ - near-open front unrounded vowel
/n/ - voiced alveolar nasal
tage: /tɪdʒ/
/t/ - voiceless alveolar plosive
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel
/dʒ/ - voiced postalveolar affricate
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: disadvantage
Plural: disadvantages
Verb:
Base Form: disadvantage
Third Person Singular Present: disadvantages
Present Participle: disadvantaging
Past Simple: disadvantaged
Past Participle: disadvantaged
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A condition or circumstance that puts one in an unfavorable or inferior position.
Synonyms: drawback, handicap, impediment, liability, hindrance, obstacle
Antonyms: advantage, benefit, superiority, strength, asset, boon
Something that causes difficulty or makes success less likely.
Synonyms: impairment, weakness, failing, defect, shortcoming, flaw
Antonyms: advantage, asset, strength, benefit, forte
Verb
To put someone or something in an unfavorable position; to cause a hindrance or detriment to.
Synonyms: hinder, hamper, handicap, prejudice, undermine, impair
Antonyms: advantage, benefit, assist, help, aid, promote
Examples of Use
Books:
"The protagonist, growing up in an impoverished neighborhood, faced numerous disadvantages from an early age, including limited access to quality education and healthcare." (From a work of fiction exploring social inequality)
"While the new policy aimed to level the playing field, some critics argued it would ultimately disadvantage smaller businesses that lacked the resources to comply with the new regulations." (From a non-fiction book on economic policy)
Newspapers:
"Despite a clear disadvantage in terms of possession, the underdog team managed to secure a stunning victory in the championship match." (The New York Times)
"Environmental groups warn that the proposed industrial development could significantly disadvantage local wildlife populations, disrupting delicate ecosystems." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"One major disadvantage of remote work for some individuals is the blurred line between personal and professional life." (Forbes.com)
"The article explored how a lack of internet access can disadvantage students in rural areas, widening the digital divide." (TechCrunch.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film Dialogue: "We're at a serious disadvantage here, outnumbered and outgunned. We need a new strategy." (From an action movie)
Video Game Review: "While the graphics are stunning, the repetitive gameplay becomes a significant disadvantage after a few hours." (IGN.com review, November 2024)
Podcast Discussion: "One of the disadvantages of being a public figure is the constant scrutiny of your every move." (From a popular culture podcast)
Social Media Post (Twitter/X): "Feeling like my introverted nature is a real disadvantage in networking events sometimes. Anyone else relate? #socialanxiety" (@UserHandle, June 2025)
General Public Discourse:
"The new traffic rules will disadvantage commuters who rely on public transport, forcing them to take longer routes." (Heard in a local community meeting)
"I feel like my age is a disadvantage when applying for these tech jobs; they always seem to prefer younger candidates." (Conversation overheard in a cafe)
"What's the biggest disadvantage of living in a big city, in your opinion?" (Question posed in an online forum)
10 Quotes Using Disadvantage
"I have had all of the disadvantages required for success." (Larry Ellison)
"To every disadvantage there is a corresponding advantage." (W. Clement Stone)
"The only disadvantage of an honest heart is credulity." (Philip Sidney)
"To govern is always to choose among disadvantages." (Charles de Gaulle)
"Every disadvantage has its advantage." (Johan Cruyff)
"We always deceive ourselves twice about the people we love - first to their advantage, then to their disadvantage." (Albert Camus)
"Further, a defensive policy involves the loss of the initiative, with all the consequent disadvantages to the defender." (Douglas Haig)
"Truth, though it has many disadvantages, is at least changeless." (Phyllis Bottome)
"What will happen if you understand what you eat now, what you drink?? You get disadvantages??..." (Deyth Banger)
"The future battle on the ground will be preceded by battle in the air. This will determine which of the contestants has to suffer operational and tactical disadvantages and be forced throughout the battle into adoption compromise solutions." (Erwin Rommel)
Etymology
The word "disadvantage" essentially means the opposite of "advantage." Its origins can be traced back to the late 14th century in English, appearing as "disavauntage."
It came from the Old French word "desavantage" (from the 13th century). This Old French word was formed by combining two parts:
"des-": This is a prefix in Old French (and Latin "dis-") that means "not" or "opposite of." Think of words like "dislike" (not like) or "disable" (make unable).
"avantage": This word in Old French meant "advantage," "profit," or "superiority." This, in turn, came from "avant" meaning "before."
So, putting it together, "desavantage" literally meant "the opposite of advantage."
When it first appeared in English around the late 14th century, "disadvantage" (then "disavauntage") meant things like "loss," "injury," or "prejudice to one's interest."
Later, by the 1520s, its meaning broadened to include "that which prevents success or makes it difficult," which is closer to how we commonly use it today. The "d" in "disadvantage" that we see now (instead of "disavauntage") was added in the 16th century, likely because of the influence of many English words that started with the "ad-" prefix from Latin.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Disadvantage
At a disadvantage: To be in an unfavorable or inferior position compared to others.
To one's disadvantage: Resulting in an unfavorable outcome for a particular person or entity.
Labor under a disadvantage: To struggle or operate with a specific handicap or difficulty.
Suffer a disadvantage: To experience a setback or detriment.
Turn a disadvantage into an advantage: To creatively use a perceived weakness as a strength or opportunity.
The only disadvantage is...: Often used to introduce a minor or singular negative aspect of something generally positive.
Give someone the disadvantage: To put someone in a less favorable position.
Come with disadvantages: To have inherent drawbacks or negative aspects.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of disadvantage from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
