1dis;ad;van;tage pronunciation: function: noun etymology: middle english disavauntage, from anglo-french desavantage, from des- dis- + avantage advantagedate: 14th century 1 : loss or damage especially to reputation, credit, or finances : detriment lt;the deal worked to their disadvantagegt;2 a : an unfavorable, inferior, or prejudicial condition lt;we were at a disadvantagegt; b : a quality or circumstance that makes achievement unusually difficult : handicap lt;his lack of formal schooling was a serious disadvantagegt;