Disadvantage
/ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒ/
Definitions
2 meaningsA condition or situation that makes it harder for someone to succeed.
/ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒ/
A condition or circumstance that puts someone in an unfavorable or inferior position.
Having to work long hours puts me at a disadvantage.
💡 Simply: It's when something makes it harder for you to do something. Like, if you're trying to build a LEGO castle, but you don't have all the pieces, that's a disadvantage!
👶 For kids: When something makes it harder for you to do something.
More Examples
The team's lack of experience was a clear disadvantage.
The high cost of the product created a disadvantage for sales.
How It's Used
"The lack of funding put the small business at a disadvantage."
"Their late entry into the market was a significant disadvantage."
"People from disadvantaged backgrounds may face challenges in education."
To cause someone to be in an unfavorable situation.
/ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒ/
To put someone in an unfavorable position.
The new policy could potentially disadvantage low-income families.
💡 Simply: To make it harder for someone or something to succeed. Like, if you don't give your friend a ride, you are disadvantaging them by not helping them.
👶 For kids: To make something harder for someone to do.
More Examples
His lack of experience disadvantaged him in the interview.
The lack of resources disadvantaged the students in the competition.
How It's Used
"The company's poor marketing strategy disadvantaged their sales team."
"The new policy will disadvantage some employees."
Idioms & expressions
to be at a disadvantage
To be in a less favorable position.
"Without knowing the rules, she was at a disadvantage."
to put someone at a disadvantage
To place someone in a less favorable position.
"Ignoring her questions would put her at a disadvantage in the exam."
From 'dis-' (expressing negation) + 'advantage' (from Old French 'avant', meaning 'advance'). The word emerged in the 16th century.
The word first appeared in the 16th century, reflecting the rise of concepts of fairness and equity in social and economic discourse.
Memory tip
Imagine a race where some runners start further back. That's a disadvantage.
Word Origin
"to advance (from 'avant'), with 'dis-' signifying reversal or negation."