drawback

1 of 2

noun

draw·​back ˈdrȯ-ˌbak How to pronounce drawback (audio)
Synonyms of drawback
1
: a refund of duties especially on an imported product subsequently exported or used to produce a product for export
2
: an objectionable feature : disadvantage
The plan's only drawback is its cost.

draw back

2 of 2

verb

drȯ-ˈbak How to pronounce draw back (audio)
drew back; drawn back; drawing back; draws back

intransitive verb

: to avoid an issue or commitment

Synonyms of drawback

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of drawback in a Sentence

Noun The trip sounds great, but cost is a major drawback. this plan has only one drawback: it's unworkable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Their possible drawbacks are that the camera opening at the back may not sit flush with your lens, or there might be some space between the sides. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 The drawback is that changes can take longer once the trip is underway, especially when several companies are involved. — Emma Capp, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
As Davud is drawn back into addiction, Shams grows increasingly isolated among the building’s workers, veterans and outcasts. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026 Still, the Tigers drew back to within striking distance in a weak American League. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drawback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1572, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drawback was in 1572

Rhymes for drawback

See All Rhymes for drawback

Browse Nearby Words

draw away
drawback
draw back
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drawback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drawback. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

drawback

noun
draw·​back ˈdrȯ-ˌbak How to pronounce drawback (audio)
: an undesirable feature : disadvantage entry 1

More from Merriam-Webster on drawback

Nglish: Translation of drawback for Spanish Speakers

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