(~s)
1.
A ~ is a factor which makes someone or something less useful, acceptable, or successful than other people or things.
His two main rivals suffer the ~ of having been long-term political exiles...
...the advantages and ~s of allowing priests to marry.
? advantage
N-COUNT: oft N of n
2.
If you are at a ~, you have a problem or difficulty that many other people do not have, which makes it harder for you to be successful.
The children from poor families were at a distinct ~...
PHRASE: v-link PHR
3.
If something is to your ~ or works to your ~, it creates difficulties for you.
A snap election would be to their ~...
PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v