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
Quicken Loans pros and cons As with other marketplaces and mortgage lenders, there are some upsides and drawbacks to consider before using Quicken Loans to connect with a mortgage lender. — Dan Simms, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026 New and improved versions came along, but by the 1950s, the drawbacks of the ticker tape were becoming more apparent. — Brian Lund, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
Even in that moment of defiance, though, he is drawn back toward his actual father. — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026 Now, persistent drought has again driven Lake Mead’s water levels to a new historic low this month, drawing back hundreds of miles of shoreline along the Nevada-Arizona border — and more mysteries have already started to surface. — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

drawback

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