disadvantageous

Everyday

(formal) Causing a disadvantage; not helpful; putting someone in a worse position: «a disadvantageous deal». tree →

In the lessons

A formal exam word used in maths word problems about deals, in history and in news. It tells the reader that something makes things harder or worse for someone. Phrases: «disadvantageous to», «disadvantageous for», «a disadvantageous position».

Examples

• Starting the race at the back was disadvantageous. tree →
• The swap was disadvantageous to me: I gave three cards for one. tree →
• Living far from school can be disadvantageous for sport clubs. tree →
• The wind was disadvantageous for the team playing towards the river. tree →
• The rules were disadvantageous for smaller schools. tree →
• It is disadvantageous to skip breakfast before a test. tree →

Note

Long word: dis-ad-van-TAY-jus. Opposite: «advantageous». Everyday words: «unhelpful», «worse», «bad for». Noun: «disadvantage». In a maths problem, a disadvantageous deal means you lose value — check by comparing the numbers.