major downside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major downside" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing significant disadvantages or negative aspects of a situation, decision, or product. For example: "The major downside of this plan is its high cost." Alternative expressions include "significant drawback" and "serious disadvantage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The toxicity is a major downside, though.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

These algorithms have a major downside; they are computationally demanding.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Major downside: limited experience with his team in European competitions.

The New York Times

"Clearly there is a major downside risk to U.S. growth.

The New York Times

The major downside is the lack of bathroom facilities.

The New York Times

The major downside to large companies is a loss of individual creativity and freedom.

So You Wanna Be an Embedded Engineer The Guide to Embedded Engineering, from Consultancy to the Corporate Ladder

"Even bears on AMLN generally expected approval, so this is a major downside surprise," he wrote.

The New York Times

Foremost among them is that at these levels, many technology stocks still carry major downside risk.

The New York Times

The elimination of that restriction brings a major downside bias into prices.

The New York Times

The couple rarely see one another - the major downside of the job.

The Guardian

The major downside to his prison sentence was the stripping of his OBE.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "major downside" to concisely communicate a key negative aspect without overemphasizing minor flaws.

Common error

Avoid using "major downside" for trivial issues. Reserve it for genuinely significant drawbacks to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major downside" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant disadvantage or negative aspect. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to point out a notable drawback, providing a balanced view of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major downside" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a significant disadvantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When writing, use "major downside" to clearly communicate substantial drawbacks, but avoid applying it to minor issues. Alternatives include "significant disadvantage" and "serious drawback". Remember to present a balanced view by stating both the advantages and the "major downside" of any proposed solution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant disadvantage

Highlights the substantial negative aspect, similar to a major downside.

serious drawback

Emphasizes the severity of the negative consequence.

key disadvantage

Focuses on the importance of the downside.

primary limitation

Indicates a main constraint or restriction.

principal shortcoming

Highlights a notable defect or flaw.

chief negative aspect

Draws attention to the most important negative attribute.

main deficiency

Indicates a significant lack or inadequacy.

biggest pitfall

Identifies the most substantial hazard or difficulty.

major snag

Suggests a significant unexpected problem or obstacle.

substantial impediment

Highlights a significant obstruction or barrier.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "major downside" in a sentence?

You can use "major downside" to point out a significant disadvantage. For example: "The "major downside" of this proposal is the high cost."

What are some alternatives to "major downside"?

Alternatives include "significant disadvantage", "serious drawback", or "key disadvantage". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "major downside" or "minor downside"?

Use "major downside" when the disadvantage is significant and has a notable impact. Use "minor downside" when the disadvantage is small and has little impact.

What is the difference between "major downside" and "potential risk"?

"Major downside" refers to a known and definite disadvantage, while "potential risk" refers to a possible negative outcome that may or may not occur.