Spanish Conversation · Level 77
60 words
Spanish word
desventaja
Pronunciation
IPA/desβenˈtaxa/
Meaning
- feminine nounshortcoming
Example
Una desventaja es que no tiene garantía.
One shortcoming is that it does not have a warranty.
More examples
En el debate, el candidato estuvo en desventaja.
In the debate, the candidate was at a disadvantage.
Core concept
Feature or circumstance that makes something less advantageous or useful compared with an alternative.
Common phrases
estar en desventaja
be at a disadvantage
poner en desventaja
put at a disadvantage
superar una desventaja
overcome a shortcoming
Similar words
inconveniente: Annoying practical problem that causes extra bother or difficulty in daily use.
obstáculo: Physical or situational barrier that blocks or slows action or progress.
perjuicio: Condition that causes actual loss, damage, or harm to a person or thing.
limitación: Restriction or rule that reduces what can be done or the options available.
Definition in Spanish
Rasgo o circunstancia que hace que algo sea menos ventajoso o útil respecto a otra opción.
Word origin
From prefix des- 'not' plus Spanish ventaja 'advantage', with ventaja ultimately from Old French avantage, so the word marks the opposite of advantage.
Usage tips
- Spanish commonly frames this idea with estar en desventaja or tener una desventaja, and comparisons often add con respecto a or frente a to specify what is worse.
Other meanings
- disadvantagenoun
- detrimentnoun
Opposites
- ventajaadvantagenoun
Related words
- desventajosodisadvantageousadjective
- desventajosamentedisadvantageouslyadverb