as in disadvantage
a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success
the downside of living in the country is, of course, the long commute to work
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Recent Examples of downside
Wet foods have two major downsides.
—
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
While the upside in business can be limitless, so can the downside, Wayne added.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
The only downside is having to choose a place to start.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026
Alongside the lower costs, Danielle and Russell have experienced downsides to living in Crete.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downside
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
While the upside in business can be limitless, so can the downside, Wayne added.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
The only downside is having to choose a place to start.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026
Alongside the lower costs, Danielle and Russell have experienced downsides to living in Crete.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downside
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downside
Noun
-
The congresswoman was at a disadvantage, unquestionably, in trying to defend against criminal charges at the same time as the House probe.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 Apr. 2026
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The real twist here is a disadvantage because, in losing, Christian has to take an envelope back to camp and read its contents in front of his tribe mates.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There is one handicap accessible Deluxe Suite.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Despite its handicaps, Western analysts and officials say Ukraine has in recent months recorded battlefield successes against Russia’s bigger army, disrupting a spring offensive started by Russia amid improving weather, as fields dry out and new foliage on tree lines offers more cover.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This approach makes sense for Leaf but isn’t without certain drawbacks.—
Nicole Rudick,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
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The convenience of these models often outweighs potential drawbacks (short battery life, burdensome maintenance).—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downside.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downside. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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