disadvantage

noun

1. 1

   A weakness or undesirable characteristic; con; drawback.

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

2. 2

   A setback or handicap.

   My height is a disadvantage for reaching high shelves.

   I was brought hither under the disadvantage of being unknown, even by sight, to any of you.

   1859-1890, John G. Palfrey, History of New England to the Revolutionary War Abandoned by their great patron, the faction henceforward acted at disadvantage.

3. 3

   Loss; detriment; hindrance.

   They would throw a construction on his conduct, to his disadvantage before the public.

verb

1. 1

   To place at a disadvantage.

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

   For London to have its own exclusive immigration policy would exacerbate the sense that immigration benefits only certain groups and disadvantages the rest. It would entrench the gap between London and the rest of the nation. And it would widen the breach between the public and the elite that has helped fuel anti-immigrant hostility.

Forms

plural

disadvantages

past tense

disadvantaged

past participle

disadvantaged

present participle

disadvantaging

third person singular

disadvantages