downside

noun

down·​side ˈdau̇n-ˌsīd 

1

: a downward trend (as of prices)

2

: a negative aspect

the downside of fame

Synonyms of downside

• disadvantage
• handicap
• drawback

Examples of downside in a Sentence

He could find no downside to the car.

the downside of living in the country is, of course, the long commute to work

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet even after taxes, the largest downside of early withdrawal from a 401(k) may still remain. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

The only downside is that he’s seen as a purely comic figure by some in the industry. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026

What are the risks and downsides of Japanese hair straightening? — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Bernstein initiated coverage of Corning with a hold rating and price target of $140, implying almost 12% downside. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing downside

• on the downside

Rhymes for downside

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied