I. ˌdis-əd-ˈvan-tij noun
Etymology: Middle English disavauntage, from Anglo-French desavantage, from des- dis- + avantage advantage
Date: 14th century
1. : loss or damage especially to reputation, credit, or finances : detriment
the deal worked to their disadvantage
2.
a. : an unfavorable, inferior, or prejudicial condition
we were at a disadvantage
b. : a quality or circumstance that makes achievement unusually difficult : handicap
his lack of formal schooling was a serious disadvantage
II. transitive verb
Date: circa 1534
: to place at a disadvantage : harm