Disadvantage (; 48, 61), n.
Etymology: [Cf. F. désavantage.]
1. Deprivation of advantage; unfavorable or prejudicial quality, condition, circumstance, or the like; that which hinders success, or causes loss or injury. I was brought here under the disadvantage of being unknown by sight to any of you. Burke. Abandoned by their great patron, the faction henceforward acted at disadvantage. Palfrey.
2. Loss; detriment; hindrance; prejudice to interest, fame, credit, profit, or other good. They would throw a construction on his conduct, to his disadvantage before the public. Bancroft.
Syn. -- Detriment; injury; hurt; loss; damage.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Disadvantage, v. t.
To injure the interest of; to be detrimental to.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for disadvantage; he lists it under injury.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.