Disadvantage

Disadvantage denotes an unfavorable condition, circumstance, or position that reduces the likelihood of achieving a desired outcome relative to an appropriate reference standard or to an alternative option. It is the natural counterpart to advantage and is used across many fields to describe impediments, deficits, or constraints.

In social and economic analysis, the term is applied to people or groups that experience systematic barriers—such as poverty, discrimination, disability, limited education, or geographic isolation—that limit access to resources and opportunities. The concept often encompasses structural factors, not only individual deficiencies, and is a key focus of studies on inequality and social policy.

In business and operations, disadvantages may arise from higher costs, poorer infrastructure, weaker bargaining power, or unfavorable market conditions that reduce competitiveness or performance.

In risk assessment and decision making, identifying disadvantages helps weigh trade-offs and design interventions to mitigate negative impacts and promote equity.

In some tabletop and video games, disadvantage is a mechanic that impairs outcomes—for example, requiring a player to roll two dice and use the lower result—reflecting a temporary or situational setback.

See also: advantage, inequality, disparity.