- an unfavourable circumstance or condition that reduces the chances of success or effectiveness不利条件; 不利环境：
a major disadvantage is the limited nature of the data
一个主要的不利条件是资料的有限性
mass noun the impact of poverty and disadvantage on children.贫困和劣境给孩子们造成的影响。
with obj.
- place in an unfavourable position in relation to someone or something else使（别人或其他事物）处于不利地位：
the pension scheme tends to disadvantage women.
这个养老金计划会使妇女处于不利地位。
短语
at a disadvantage
- in an unfavourable position relative to someone or someone else处于不利地位：
stringent regulations have put British farmers at a disadvantage.
严格的规定使得英国的农民处于不利地位。
to one's disadvantage
- so as to cause harm to one's interests or standing对（某人）不利：
his poor educational track record inevitably worked to his disadvantage.
他很差的学习成绩记录肯定会对他不利。
词源
late Middle English: from Old French desavantage, from des- (expressing reversal) + avantage 'advantage'.