disadvantageous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disadvantageous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, condition, or factor that puts someone or something at a disadvantage. Example: "The new policy may prove to be disadvantageous for small businesses trying to compete with larger corporations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A strategy can be advantageous when rare and disadvantageous when common.

The Economist

Ted Abel, a biologist at the University of Pennsylvania, suggests that one of the reasons why blocker CREB evolved is that it is disadvantageous, in evolutionary terms, for memories to be too robust.Gone but not forgottenUnlearning or in technical terms, "extinguishing"—a memory can sometimes be even harder than learning it in the first place.

The Economist

And the longer-term prospects for the euro area remain weighed down by excessive debt and low productivity growth, as well as the threat of deflation and disadvantageous demography (Germany's working-age population will be shrinking as fast as Japan's by 2020).

The Economist

Mr Romney insists this is "disadvantageous" for America's domestic industry.

The Economist

"Not too many politicians advocate agreements which their opponents might possibly accept that are politically disadvantageous".One Republican Senate strategist agreed, calling the proposals "hogwash". Every campaign is receptive and thankful that they get" support from outside interest groups, the Republican added.

The Economist

That would be legally problematic and disadvantageous to Moscow in terms of its future influence over Ukrainian politics.

The Economist

Is Mr Mulligan really anxious to argue that teens are sitting at home instead of cutting grass because they're concerned that in 2013 their effective marginal tax rate will adjust in a disadvantageous way thanks to government health insurance subsidies?Again, he'll have to do much better than this to demonstrate that it's Keynesians, and not those touting a "Great Vacation", that are all wet.

The Economist

The Kremlin has started a low-grade trade war with Ukraine and refused to renegotiate the clearly disadvantageous gas contract signed by Ms Tymoshenko.

The Economist

These circumstances are chiefly of importance, as showing how earnestly and severely the Brazilians feel their disadvantageous position.Now, then, what steps have we taken to protect and retain this important branch of our trade?

The Economist

The next report will also tackle other factors considered disadvantageous, such as an insistence on all firms using the GAAP accounting standard.

The Economist

This was replaced in 1984, but the new agreement is still disadvantageous to Mozambique.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disadvantageous" when you want to emphasize that a situation or condition creates an unfavorable position or reduces someone's chances of success. It often implies a strategic or competitive drawback.

Common error

Avoid using "disadvantageous" when you mean someone is "disadvantaged" (lacking advantages). "Disadvantageous" describes a situation or characteristic, while "disadvantaged" describes a person or group.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "disadvantageous" primarily functions to describe something that creates an unfavorable condition or reduces the chances of success. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disadvantageous" is a versatile adjective used to describe conditions or situations that create an unfavorable position or reduce the likelihood of success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly employed across various domains, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When writing, be mindful of the subtle difference between "disadvantageous" (describing a situation) and "disadvantaged" (describing a person). Consider using synonyms like "unfavorable" or "detrimental" to add nuance to your writing. Remember that this word is suitable for neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfavorable

Indicates a lack of favor or approval, similar to "disadvantageous" but with a broader scope.

detrimental

Focuses on the harm or damage caused, emphasizing the negative consequences.

harmful

Highlights the potential for causing injury or damage, often in a more direct way.

prejudicial

Implies bias or unfairness, leading to an unfavorable outcome for someone or something.

adverse

Suggests opposition or resistance, resulting in an unfavorable or negative impact.

counterproductive

Describes actions that have the opposite of the intended effect, leading to negative outcomes.

unprofitable

Specifically relates to financial loss or lack of gain.

inopportune

Indicates an unsuitable or inconvenient time or circumstance.

deleterious

Suggests a subtle or gradual harm, often related to health or well-being.

unfortunate

Expresses regret or disappointment about a negative outcome or situation.

FAQs

How to use "disadvantageous" in a sentence?

You can use "disadvantageous" to describe situations, policies, or conditions that create an unfavorable position. For example, "The new tax law is "disadvantageous" to small businesses."

What can I say instead of "disadvantageous"?

You can use alternatives like "unfavorable", "detrimental", or "harmful" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "disadvantageous" or "disadvantaged"?

"Disadvantageous" describes something that causes a disadvantage, while "disadvantaged" describes someone who experiences a disadvantage. They have different meanings and usages.

What's the difference between "disadvantageous" and "unfavorable"?

While both imply a negative aspect, "disadvantageous" often relates to strategic or competitive drawbacks, while "unfavorable" is more general and can refer to a lack of approval or support.