Definition

1. Noun:
   • A disadvantage or problem that makes something less attractive or effective: A "drawback" is a negative feature or condition that reduces the benefit or appeal of a situation, plan, or object.
   • A refund of duties paid on imported goods that are later exported: In commerce, a "drawback" is a refund of taxes or duties on imported materials when the finished goods are exported.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The main drawback of the apartment is its small kitchen.
  • One serious drawback to the proposal is its high cost.
  • The company applied for a drawback on the imported components used in the exported products.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a drawback": to possess a disadvantage.
  • Every solution has its own drawback.
• "a major/serious/significant drawback": a very important disadvantage.
  • The lack of public transportation is a major drawback for the neighborhood.
• "to outweigh the drawbacks": to be more important or beneficial than the disadvantages.
  • For many users, the benefits of the software outweigh its drawbacks.

Variants and Related Words

• Disadvantage (n): an unfavorable circumstance or condition.
  • The disadvantage of living far from the city is the long commute.
• Downside (n): the negative aspect of something.
  • The downside of fame is the loss of privacy.
• Hindrance (n): something that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction.
  • Poor weather was a hindrance to the construction project.

Synonyms

• Disadvantage: an unfavorable circumstance.
• Shortcoming: a fault or failure to meet a certain standard.
• Limitation: a restriction or weakness.
• Minus (informal): a negative feature.

Related Phrases

• "The only drawback is...": Used to introduce a single negative point.
  • The hotel is perfect; the only drawback is its distance from the beach.
• "Without any major drawbacks": Having no significant disadvantages.
  • The plan was implemented without any major drawbacks.

Idioms

• "A fly in the ointment": A minor drawback that spoils something.
  • The conference was excellent. The only fly in the ointment was the poor food.
• "A chink in one's armor": A weak point or drawback in an otherwise strong position.
  • His inability to speak in public is a chink in his armor for the leadership role.

Noun

1. the quality of being a hindrance
   • he pointed out all the drawbacks to my plan