Disadvantages or negative aspects of something that prevent it from being completely good or desirable.
Compound word from 'draw' and 'back,' appearing in English by the 18th century. Originally meant literally pulling or holding something back. It evolved metaphorically to mean obstacles or hindrances to progress.
Drawbacks appeared during the Industrial Revolution when people needed vocabulary for problems that didn't stop progress entirely but slowed it down—like how steam engines had incredible power but the drawback of needing huge amounts of water and coal nearby.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.