Drawback Meaning
/ˈdɹɔːˌbæk/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA disadvantage; something that detracts or takes away.
nounA partial refund of an import fee, as when goods are re-exported from the country that collected the fee.
Sentence Examples
Brilliant people have one major drawback - they don't know how to lose.
Being overweight is a drawback in this sport.
CEFR Practice Quiz
A major ____ of this phone is its very short battery life.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Brilliant people have one major ____ - they don't know how to lose.
Word Origin & History
From draw + back. Compare setback.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"East-India goods, not specifically and particularly rated, are to be liable to duties and drawbacks on the value, to be taken by the gross price at the company's public sales."
— 1796, David Steel, New and Complete Tables of the Net Duties payable, and drawbacks allowed, on goods, wares, and merchandises..., page 5:
"‘I wanta learn to do the drawback better than Swiftie.’"
— 1982, Paul Radley, My Blue-Checker Corker and Me, Sydney: Fontana/Collins, page 123:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
A major ____ of this phone is its very short battery life.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Brilliant people have one major ____ - they don't know how to lose.