disadvantage
/ˌdɪs.ədˈvɑːn.tɪdʒ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdɪs.ədˈvæn.t̬ɪdʒ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tij/ (ame, mw) · /ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒ/ (ame, ipa)
disadvantage — noun
- disadvantagesingular
- disadvantagesplural
1. An aspect or circumstance that creates difficulty and makes it harder for someon
An aspect or circumstance that creates difficulty and makes it harder for someone or something to succeed compared with others.
One big disadvantage of wooden furniture is that it scratches easily.
pattern: disadvantage of + noun phrase
Leila weighed the advantages and disadvantages before choosing a university.
common phrase: advantages and disadvantages
Living far from the station has the disadvantage of longer travel times each day.
Poor internet access was a serious disadvantage for students in rural villages.
The system's main disadvantage is that it takes too long to process payments.
文法句型
disadvantage + of + noun phrase / gerund
常見錯誤
2. A state in which someone has less chance of success or benefit than other people
A state in which someone has less chance of success or benefit than other people in the same situation.
Children who do not have books at home start school at a disadvantage.
phrase: at a disadvantage
Theo's lack of work experience put him at a disadvantage during the hiring process.
phrase: put [someone] at a disadvantage
Small farms operate at a disadvantage compared to large agricultural companies.
Not speaking the local language left Hana at a clear disadvantage in meetings.
- advantage
The opposite state — being in a better position to succeed.
文法句型
at a disadvantage
at a disadvantage to + noun phrase
put / place + noun phrase + at a disadvantage
用法筆記
This sense almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'at a disadvantage' or 'at a disadvantage to someone'. It describes a relative position, not a permanent quality of a person or thing.
常見錯誤
disadvantage — verb
- disadvantagepresent simple I / you / we / they
- disadvantageshe / she / it
- disadvantagedpast simple
- disadvantaging-ing form
1. To make it harder for a person, group, or activity to succeed by putting them in
To make it harder for a person, group, or activity to succeed by putting them in a less favorable position than others — for example, when a policy or system creates uneven access to resources.
Critics say the new policy disadvantages older workers looking for jobs.
transitive: disadvantage + noun phrase
Students from low-income families are disadvantaged by the exam fee system.
passive: be disadvantaged by
The lack of street lighting disadvantages people who walk home at night.
Rural communities are often disadvantaged when it comes to access to hospitals.
- benefit
The opposite — to help or improve someone's chances of success.
文法句型
disadvantage + noun phrase
be disadvantaged by + noun phrase
用法筆記
Typically used in formal or semi-formal contexts about systems, policies, or structural conditions. Not used for everyday personal inconveniences — 'the rain disadvantaged our picnic' would sound unnatural.