biggest drawback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "biggest drawback" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it for example to describe a negative feature of something, such as: The biggest drawback of the new phone model is that the battery life is very short.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The biggest drawback is hiring.

The New York Times

Bison's biggest drawback is its price.

The New York Times - Food

The biggest drawback is the cost.

The Guardian - Sport

The biggest drawback has been its intermittency.

The Guardian

The biggest drawback to ordering online was price.

The New York Times - Tech

The biggest drawback is the lack of external controls.

The New York Times

Perhaps its biggest drawback is Central Asian bureaucracy.

The Economist

The biggest drawback, however, was the sound quality.

The New York Times - Tech

The biggest drawback of Moves is that its location sensing isn't marksman-accurate.

MIT Technology Review

Perhaps the biggest drawback was the intermittent musical gaps brought on by Internet interference.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We found this to be one of the biggest drawbacks to interior drains," Mr. Bevilacqua said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "biggest drawback", ensure you clearly articulate what the drawback is and why it is significant. Provide specific examples or evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "biggest drawback" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for issues that genuinely pose a substantial negative impact or limitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "biggest drawback" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the most significant disadvantage associated with a particular subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

25%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "biggest drawback" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the most significant disadvantage of something. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While versatile, remember to reserve it for genuinely substantial limitations and to clearly articulate the drawback's significance. Consider alternatives like "major disadvantage" or "principal weakness" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major disadvantage

Focuses on the disadvantage aspect, simplifying the expression.

main shortcoming

Replaces 'drawback' with 'shortcoming', emphasizing a deficiency.

key disadvantage

Synonymous substitution of 'biggest' with 'key'.

primary limitation

Emphasizes the restrictive aspect of the drawback.

principal weakness

Highlights the vulnerability or lack of strength.

chief liability

Focuses on the responsibility or burden aspect.

significant impediment

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the drawback.

most substantial flaw

Highlights the imperfection or defect.

greatest disadvantage

Replaces 'biggest' with 'greatest', indicating a superlative degree.

major obstacle

Highlights the hindering or obstructive nature of the drawback.

FAQs

How can I use "biggest drawback" in a sentence?

You can use "biggest drawback" to introduce a significant disadvantage of something, for example: "The "biggest drawback of" the new software is its high price."

What's a good alternative to "biggest drawback"?

Alternatives include "major disadvantage", "main shortcoming", or "key disadvantage", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "biggest drawback" in formal writing?

Yes, "biggest drawback" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "principal weakness" or "significant impediment" for added gravitas.

What is the difference between "biggest drawback" and "biggest advantage"?

"Biggest drawback" refers to the most significant disadvantage or negative aspect, while "biggest advantage" refers to the most significant benefit or positive aspect.