What is drawback? Pronunciation and usage in English

drawback means . Learn how to pronounce and use drawback through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of drawback

drawbacknoun

/ˈdrɔːbæk//ˈdrɔːbæk/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "drawback." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is typically divided into three syllables: draw - back

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • "Draw": Pronounced like "drow" – similar to the word "crow." The "aw" sound is like in "law" or "saw."
  • "Back": Pronounced like "back" – exactly as you’d spell it.

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly: drow - back

4. A Quick Tip:

Many native speakers subtly link the syllables together, making it sound almost like "draw-back." Don't worry too much about perfect separation, but being aware of the individual sounds is key.

Resources for Hearing it:

Would you like me to:

  • Provide a phonetic transcription (using the International Phonetic Alphabet)?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word drawback in English

Let's break down how to use the word "drawback" in English. It's a versatile word with a specific nuance.

1. Core Meaning:

At its heart, a "drawback" is a disadvantage or negative aspect of something. It's a problem or a fault that hinders or limits a situation, plan, or idea. It’s often a relatively significant problem, not just a minor inconvenience.

2. How to Use It:

Here's how you can incorporate "drawback" into your sentences:

  • As a Noun (the most common usage):

    • "One drawback of this job is the long hours." (The long hours are a disadvantage.)
    • "The biggest drawback of living in the city is the high cost of rent." (High rent is a significant problem.)
    • "There’s a potential drawback to using this software – it can be quite complex to learn." (Complexity is a negative consequence.)
    • "The company acknowledged a number of drawbacks to the new policy." (Identifying problems)

  • As a Verb (less common, but useful):

    • "The company drew a major drawback from the increased competition." (The increased competition presented a significant disadvantage.) – Here, "draw" is used in the sense of “to identify” or “reveal”
    • "We need to draw a drawback of the current plan before moving forward." (We need to identify a problem with the plan.)

3. Key Nuances & Similar Words:

  • More Serious than "Problem": "Drawback" implies a more substantial negative than just a "problem." Think of it as a significant obstacle.
  • Often Followed by “of”: You'll often see “drawback of” used to introduce the disadvantage.
  • Synonyms: Here are some words that can be used similarly, depending on the context:
    • Disadvantage
    • Weakness
    • Flaw
    • Defect
    • Negative consequence
    • Limitation

4. Examples in Different Contexts:

  • Business: “A key drawback of this investment is the risk of market volatility.”
  • Relationships: “One drawback of long-distance relationships is the lack of physical intimacy.”
  • Technology: “A drawback of smartphones is their potential to be addictive.”
  • Policy: “The government cited a drawback of the new tax law – it disproportionately affected small businesses.”

5. Tips for Using It Correctly:

  • Consider the Severity: Is it a minor issue, or a truly significant obstacle? If it’s minor, “problem” or “issue” might be better.
  • Be Specific: Don't just say “There's a drawback.” Explain what the drawback is.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., essay, report, conversation, creative writing?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you’re trying to use "drawback"? I can then help you refine it.

Synonyms for the word drawback

Practice with vocabulary drawback

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. One significant __________ of working remotely is the potential for isolation and lack of direct team collaboration.
  2. While the new software offers advanced features, its main __________ is the steep learning curve for new users.
  3. The company aims to leverage its core competencies to gain a competitive __________ in the market.
  4. Before implementing the new policy, we need to thoroughly assess all potential __________ and risks.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Despite its innovative design, a notable __________ of the prototype was its high manufacturing cost, making it less commercially viable. a) benefit b) asset c) drawback d) strength

  2. When considering the options for renewable energy, solar power has several positive aspects, but its intermittency and high initial investment are significant __________. (Choose all that apply) a) advantages b) obstacles c) drawbacks d) merits e) challenges

  3. The most substantial __________ of relying solely on traditional marketing methods in the digital age is the limited reach and difficulty in tracking ROI. a) upside b) strength c) drawback d) success

  4. Navigating the complex regulatory landscape proved to be the biggest __________ for the startup. a) opportunity b) asset c) hurdle d) enabler

  5. The new project management tool significantly enhanced team communication and workflow efficiency, offering numerous clear __________ over previous systems. a) pitfalls b) advantages c) complications d) issues

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The lack of a clear exit strategy is a major problem with the current investment plan. Rewrite using "drawback":

  2. Original: Moving the entire operation overseas would introduce several problems related to quality control and communication. Rewrite using "drawback":

  3. Original: The company faced many difficulties in securing funding for its ambitious research project. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (not "drawback"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. drawback
  2. drawback
  3. advantage
  4. challenges

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) drawback
  2. b) obstacles, c) drawbacks, e) challenges
  3. c) drawback
  4. c) hurdle
  5. b) advantages

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The lack of a clear exit strategy is a major drawback of the current investment plan.
  2. One significant drawback of moving the entire operation overseas would be the potential for issues with quality control and communication.
  3. The company faced many obstacles in securing funding for its ambitious research project.

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