disadvantage
A bad point or negative side of something that makes it less good or useful.
A negative feature, condition, or effect of something that makes it less good, less effective, or less desirable.
A bad situation that makes a person or group weaker or less likely to win than others.
A situation or condition in which a person or group is less likely to succeed, compete, or be treated fairly than others.
To cause a person or group to be in a worse or unfair position than others.
To make someone or something less likely to succeed or compete effectively, especially in an unfair way.
- Base: disadvantage
- Plural: disadvantage, disadvantages
- Base: disadvantage
- 3rd Person Singular: disadvantages
- Present Participle: disadvantaging
- Past: disadvantaged
at a disadvantage
1in a weaker position
In a situation where you are less likely to win, succeed, or be treated fairly than other people.
- Without proper training, new employees are at a disadvantage compared to experienced staff.
- Children who do not have internet access at home are at a disadvantage at school.
- Not having a car puts you at a disadvantage if you live in the countryside.
at a social disadvantage
1in a weaker social position
In a worse position in society because of your family, money, or other social reasons.
- Children from minority groups are often at a social disadvantage.
- Growing up in a poor neighborhood can put young people at a social disadvantage.
- Girls in some regions are still at a social disadvantage compared to boys.
economic disadvantage
1financially weaker position
A situation where a person or group has less money and resources, which makes life and success more difficult.
- The program helps students who face economic disadvantage.
- Economic disadvantage can limit a family's access to good healthcare and education.
- Policies must address economic disadvantage in rural areas.
put [someone] at a disadvantage
1cause someone a weaker position
To cause a person or group to be in a worse or less successful situation than others.
- The late change in the exam time put many students at a disadvantage.
- Speaking with a strong accent can put job seekers at a disadvantage in some industries.
- These rules put small companies at a disadvantage against big international firms.
to one's disadvantage
1in a way that harms you
In a way that is bad for you or makes your situation worse.
- He spoke too quickly, which was to his disadvantage in the debate.
- She signed the contract without reading it carefully, much to her disadvantage.
- The evidence was used to the defendant's disadvantage.