n.
Pronunciation: ˌ dis- ə d- ' van-tij
Function: 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 >