drawback - Wiktionary, the free dictionary (original) (raw)

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

From draw +‎ back. Compare setback.

drawback (plural drawbacks)

  1. A disadvantage; something that detracts or takes away.
    Synonyms: encumbrance, hindrance, nuisance, malefit
    Antonyms: benefit, advantage, boon
    Poor fuel economy is a common drawback among larger vehicles.
  2. A partial refund of an import fee, as when goods are re-exported from the country that collected the fee.
    • 1796, David Steel, New and Complete Tables of the Net Duties payable, and drawbacks allowed, on goods, wares, and merchandises..., page 5:
      East-India goods, not specifically and particularly rated, are to be liable to duties and drawbacks on the value, to be taken by the gross price at the company's public sales.
  3. The inhalation of a lungful of smoke from a cigarette, viewed as a skill of the practised smoker.
    • 1982, Paul Radley, My Blue-Checker Corker and Me, Sydney: Fontana/Collins, page 123:
      ‘I wanta learn to do the drawback better than Swiftie.’

a disadvantage

a partial refund

inhalation of a lungful of smoke from a cigarette

drawback m (plural drawbacks)

  1. drawback (disadvantage)
  2. drawback (partial refund)

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