profound disadvantage

USAGE SUMMARY

"profound disadvantage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep-rooted problem or situation that has a major impact on someone or something. For example, "The economic inequality in this city has caused a profound disadvantage for its poorer citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

If electoral and partisan politics guide presidential behavior, Puerto Rico finds itself at a profound disadvantage.

The Washington Post

"In nearly every institution of society... they are at a profound disadvantage".

The Guardian

"Unfortunately, his reckless proposals would deeply damage the underpinnings of the global system and work to America's profound disadvantage".

The Guardian

Without electoral reform, he conceded, a third party in Britain would always be at a profound disadvantage.

The Economist

"In nearly every institution of society... they are at a profound disadvantage". By appealing to women, Mrs Bush was "finding another door through which to advance freedom".

The Guardian

One thing that worries me is that while the Shabab have proved themselves a ruthless, wily enemy, Kenya has a profound disadvantage: it has never invested in its public safety.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But the big difference was that Mrs. Obama talked about the stark realities and profound disadvantages of growing up brown-skinned in a white society, not the minor inconveniences of young married life for the son of a man who ran a car company, was governor of Michigan and ran for president.

The New York Times

Despite low costs and wide availability, conventional radiographic surveys have profound disadvantages such as relatively high false-negative rates and lack of bone marrow evaluation which make this technology less suitable for early diagnosing/staging/evaluating multiple myeloma.

Annals of Hematology

This trial aimed to determine the impact of a comprehensive SNHV program initiated antenatally for at-risk mothers who reside in a community characterised by profound socioeconomic disadvantage on outcomes including household environment and health, development and well-being of the family, mother and child.

BMC Public Health

Knock-down of 42 genes conferred a profound selective growth disadvantage in DS-AMKL cell lines.

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

However, the profound levels of disadvantage in many remote settings remain appalling, and there is still much to be done, mostly beyond the direct reach of health services.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound disadvantage" when you want to emphasize the deep-rooted and impactful nature of the disadvantage.

Common error

Avoid using "profound disadvantage" as a generic negative descriptor. Ensure the disadvantage is genuinely deep-seated and significantly impactful, rather than merely a minor inconvenience or challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound disadvantage" functions as a noun phrase, where "profound" modifies the noun "disadvantage". It describes the degree or intensity of the disadvantage. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound disadvantage" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant and deep-rooted negative condition. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usage across different contexts, it's important to use it judiciously to accurately convey the severity of the disadvantage. The phrase is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic settings, suggesting a formal or neutral register. Alternatives like "great disadvantage" or "substantial disadvantage" may be suitable depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

great disadvantage

Indicates a considerable level of disadvantage, differing mainly in the intensity of the adjective.

substantial disadvantage

Suggests a tangible and significant disadvantage, emphasizing the concrete impact.

fundamental disadvantage

Highlights that the disadvantage is deeply rooted and affects core aspects.

considerable disadvantage

Implies a noteworthy and measurable disadvantage.

significant disadvantage

Emphasizes the importance and notability of the disadvantage.

severe disadvantage

Conveys a strong and intense level of disadvantage.

grave disadvantage

Suggests a very serious and concerning level of disadvantage.

serious disadvantage

Indicates a significant and potentially problematic disadvantage.

tremendous disadvantage

Highlights the enormous scale of the disadvantage.

profound weakness

Shifts focus from disadvantage to an inherent flaw or failing, implying a different perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "profound disadvantage" to describe a deeply rooted issue that significantly hinders progress or opportunity. For example: "The lack of access to quality education places children from low-income families at a "profound disadvantage"."

What are some alternatives to "profound disadvantage"?

Alternatives include "great disadvantage", "substantial disadvantage", or "fundamental disadvantage", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "profound disadvantage" or "significant disadvantage"?

"Profound disadvantage" suggests a deeper and more impactful issue than "significant disadvantage". The choice depends on the severity of the situation you are describing.

What's the difference between "profound disadvantage" and "profound weakness"?

"Profound disadvantage" refers to an external condition hindering progress, while "profound weakness" refers to an internal flaw or failing. They are not interchangeable.