Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

drawback

/ˈdɹɔˌbæk/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.21 in modern English

Syllables: draw-back
IPA: /ˈdɹɔˌbæk/

20

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

2

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A disadvantage; something that detracts or takes away.

noun

A partial refund of an import fee, as when goods are re-exported from the country that collected the fee.

noun

The inhalation of a lungful of smoke from a cigarette, viewed as a skill of the practised smoker.

Example Sentences

"Poor fuel economy is a common drawback among larger vehicles."
"there was no one real drawback to her flutter of excitement and happy anticipation"
"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."
"‘I wanta learn to do the drawback better than Swiftie.’"

Etymology

From draw + back. Compare setback.

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈdɹɔˌbæk/
British English: /ˈdɹɔːˌbæk/

Inflected Forms

drawbacks (plural)

Synonyms

encumbrance hindrance nuisance malefit

Antonyms

benefit advantage boon

Questions

How do you pronounce drawback?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈdɹɔˌbæk/.
What does drawback mean?: A disadvantage; something that detracts or takes away.
Where does drawback come from?: From draw + back. Compare setback.

How to pronounce drawback

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “drawback”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈdɹɔˌbæk/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “drawback”.
Repeat and practice — Say “drawback” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.