a key disadvantage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key disadvantage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant drawback or negative aspect of a situation, product, or idea. Example: "One key disadvantage of this software is its high cost compared to competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

(This advantage comes with a key disadvantage: you must be connected to the Internet. Wireless hot spots at airports and hotels are fair game, but movies can't be carried around on a laptop).

The New York Times - Tech

A key disadvantage in these types of systems, aside from bulky aesthetics, is that there is often noticeable lag between the cameras capturing the outside world and how quickly it is displayed in-headset.

TechCrunch

This student, like others who perceived loneliness (ID15) as a key disadvantage, found DE to be a lonely experience, regardless of the quantity and type of CMC/TMC interactions, and elaborated it is hard to gauge progress without peers around (ID261).

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

A key disadvantage of ranked queries is that their result set can be very large.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

However, a key disadvantage of the MPA is that in vivo animal testing is needed.

BioDrugs

Most VI indices are easily calculated, however, a key disadvantage is their dependency on the breathing pattern [ 6].

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

One key disadvantage to hydraulic fracturing is the potential for a negative impact on the water supply of an area.

Duke University

However, the key disadvantage of the orthogonal MAC is that it requires a larger transmission bandwidth or longer latency to realize multiple orthogonal channels.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

One key disadvantage of student loan consolidation is that you cannot lower your interest rate.

Forbes

To overcome this key disadvantage, there are various strategies that have been employed to reduce the band gap energy and thus improve the generation of charge carriers and at the same time try to increase the lifetime of the charge carriers, decrease the recombination rate of the generated electron and holes, and thus enhance the overall photo-catalytic efficiency of TiO2.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The key disadvantage of the Manchester scale is that it has not yet been validated as a self-assessment tool, thereby limiting its application to settings where trained observers are used to document the presence and severity of HV.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key disadvantage", follow it with a clear explanation of its impact or consequences to fully inform the reader. For example: "A key disadvantage of this approach is its high cost, which limits its accessibility."

Common error

Avoid using "a key disadvantage" for minor issues. Reserve it for drawbacks that genuinely have a substantial impact on the subject matter. Otherwise, it can diminish your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key disadvantage" functions as a noun phrase that highlights a significant drawback or limitation. It's used to identify and emphasize a critical negative aspect within a particular context. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a key disadvantage" serves to pinpoint a significant drawback or limitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various writing contexts. It's most frequently encountered in science, news media, and academic fields. When employing this phrase, ensure it genuinely represents a noteworthy negative aspect and provide a clear explanation of its consequences. Alternatives include "a major drawback" or "a significant limitation". Using "a key disadvantage" effectively strengthens your analysis by highlighting essential considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major drawback

Emphasizes the significance of the disadvantage, similar to "key".

a significant limitation

Highlights the restrictive aspect of the disadvantage.

a primary weakness

Focuses on the inherent vulnerability or flaw.

a notable downside

Indicates a negative aspect that is worth paying attention to.

a critical flaw

Stresses the importance and severity of the disadvantage.

a central impediment

Highlights the hindering nature of the disadvantage.

a main obstacle

Focuses on the barrier or challenge presented by the disadvantage.

a principal shortcoming

Emphasizes the deficiency or imperfection of something.

a major failing

Highlights a significant lack of success or effectiveness.

a substantial liability

Focuses on the disadvantage as a source of potential problems or risks.

FAQs

How can I use "a key disadvantage" in a sentence?

Use "a key disadvantage" to point out a significant drawback or limitation of something. For example, "A key disadvantage of solar energy is its intermittent availability".

What are some alternatives to "a key disadvantage"?

You can use alternatives like "a major drawback", "a significant limitation", or "a primary weakness" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a key disadvantage" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to emphasize a notable negative aspect that significantly affects the subject you are discussing. Ensure the disadvantage is substantial and clearly explained.

What makes "a key disadvantage" different from other types of disadvantages?

The term "a key disadvantage" emphasizes the importance and centrality of that particular drawback compared to other less significant ones. It highlights that this disadvantage is crucial to consider.