disadvantageous

Disadvantageous is an adjective used to describe something that puts someone at a disadvantage or is not favorable. It refers to conditions, terms, outcomes, or actions that reduce benefits or increase costs relative to alternatives.

The term appears in law, economics, business, and everyday language to indicate that a choice or arrangement is less advantageous than others. It can describe contracts with unfavorable clauses, strategic decisions that hinder success, or policies that impose greater burdens.

Etymology: the word is built from the prefix dis- meaning not or opposite of attached to advantageous, which derives from Old French avantage and related Latin roots. The form emphasizes lack of advantage.

Synonyms include detrimental, unfavorable, unprofitable, harmful, or adverse; antonyms include advantageous, favorable, profitable, beneficial.

Examples: The tax regime created a disadvantageous environment for small businesses. The investor viewed the contract as disadvantageous compared with market terms.