downsides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "downsides" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the negative aspects or disadvantages of a situation, decision, or option. Example: "While the new policy has many benefits, we must also consider the potential downsides before implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were downsides.

The New York Times

"There are inevitably real downsides when a country is two-thirds or a third of its former size," he said.

The Guardian

There are, however, downsides to being known on the internet.

The Guardian - Music

Though communal living has its downsides – Linda Grant writes about the pretentious political dogma and macrobiotic obsessions of a hippy commune in her novel We Had It So Good, while what went on in RD Laing's living experiments was altogether more disturbing – I'm convinced that witnessing how resources, material and intellectual, could be pooled at such a young age has shaped me as an adult.

The Guardian - Opinion

Everything new and shiny has downsides, and security and privacy are the biggest challenges for IoT.

The Guardian - Tech

The report comes at a time when China and Australia, the countries set to oversee the two largest CO2 escalations, have been forced to contemplate the potential downsides of major fossil fuel exploitation.

The Guardian

It was possible, he added, the plant-produced oil might overcome one of the major downsides of edible fish oil: the strong taste.

The Guardian

The downsides The long delay for current series is tough.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He speaks to me from his office in Brussels, and energetically sketches out a vision that now stretches from his party into the heart of British Conservatism: of Britain cut loose from the EU, with no real downsides at all.

The Guardian

Lord Mandelson has admitted he is no longer "intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich as long as they pay their taxes", given rising inequality and stagnating middle-class incomes brought about by the damaging downsides of globalisation.

The Guardian

It is also unsurprising that the "upsides" of state interventions, many of which can have a particularly strong effect on women's lives, have received little attention relative to the much trumpeted "downsides".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use specific examples to illustrate each "downside" to enhance clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the "downsides". Ensure your language is objective and avoid emotional terms to maintain a balanced and credible perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downsides" primarily functions as a noun, specifically the plural form of "downside". As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to the negative aspects or disadvantages of something. Examples show it used to describe potential drawbacks of policies, technologies, or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "downsides" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the negative aspects or disadvantages of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile term found commonly in news, business, and other forms of writing. While alternatives like "disadvantages" or "drawbacks" exist, "downsides" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. To use it effectively, present a balanced view and provide specific examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disadvantages

Replaces "downsides" with a more general term for unfavorable aspects.

drawbacks

Similar to "downsides" but can also imply obstacles.

negative aspects

A more descriptive and formal way to express the negative features.

shortcomings

Focuses on the imperfections or weaknesses.

limitations

Highlights the constraints or boundaries.

weaknesses

Emphasizes the vulnerabilities or frailties.

problems

Indicates difficulties or issues that arise.

complications

Suggests elements that make something more complex and potentially negative.

negative consequences

Highlights the adverse outcomes or results.

potential pitfalls

Focuses on the hidden dangers or risks.

FAQs

How can I use "downsides" in a sentence?

You can use "downsides" to refer to the disadvantages or negative aspects of something. For instance, "While the new technology offers many advantages, there are also significant downsides to consider."

What's a good alternative to using "downsides"?

Alternatives to "downsides" include "disadvantages", "drawbacks", or "negative aspects", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "downsides" in formal writing?

Yes, "downsides" is generally acceptable in formal writing, although using more formal synonyms like "disadvantages" might be preferred in some contexts.

What are some common "downsides" to consider when evaluating a new policy?

Common "downsides" to consider might include increased costs, potential risks, or unintended consequences. Always analyze both the benefits and the "disadvantages" before making a decision.