dis·ad·van·tage
ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tij 
1
: loss or damage especially to reputation, credit, or finances : detriment
the deal worked to their disadvantage
2
a
: an unfavorable, inferior, or prejudicial condition
we were at a disadvantage
b
: a quality or circumstance that makes achievement unusually difficult : handicap
his lack of formal schooling was a serious disadvantage
Examples of disadvantage in a Sentence
Noun
She had the disadvantage of growing up in a poor community.
They argued that the new regulations would place their company at a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace.
There are advantages and disadvantages to the new system.
Recent Examples on the Web
Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026
The war in Ukraine has only deepened Russia’s disadvantages.
—Alan Cullison, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Like so many western mountains this season, Big Sky’s early winter was slightly disadvantaged by higher-than-average temperatures and lighter-than-average snowfall, especially at lower altitudes.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disadvantage
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Noun
That’s why companies fixated on presence rather than productivity gains that actually enable an AI-first future are at a disadvantage.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026
The war in Ukraine has only deepened Russia’s disadvantages.
—Alan Cullison, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
Concerns persist that the oversized Democratic field of nine major contenders could fracture the party vote and allow Republican candidates to advance through California’s top-two primary system, potentially disadvantaging Democratic prospects in the general election.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Like so many western mountains this season, Big Sky’s early winter was slightly disadvantaged by higher-than-average temperatures and lighter-than-average snowfall, especially at lower altitudes.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disadvantage
Cite this Entry
“Disadvantage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disadvantage. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
disadvantage
1 of 2 noun
dis·ad·van·tage
ˌdis-əd-ˈvant-ij
1
: loss or damage especially to one's good name or finances
the deal worked to our disadvantage
2
a
: a state or condition that favors someone else
was at a disadvantage in educated company
b
: something not helpful : a cause of difficulty
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