drawback

1 of 2

noun

draw·​back ˈdrȯ-ˌbak How to pronounce drawback (audio)
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

drew back; drawn back; drawing back; draws back

intransitive verb

: to avoid an issue or commitment

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
Based on specs and my brief time with the phone, this is the biggest drawback. Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 13 May 2025 One major drawback to probiotic toothpaste is the lack of fluoride, which is considered the gold standard for preventing cavities and cleaning teeth. Helen Carefoot, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025
Verb
Yet he is constantly drawn back to memories of his brief time with David, trying to understand the impact of their relationship. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Furthermore, American individual and corporate philanthropists—which constitute more than half of the world’s top 40 private donors—may well draw back, wary of retaliation from the U.S. government. Zainab Usman, Foreign Affairs, 5 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Drawback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drawback. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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