downside

A bad part of something that also has good parts.

• The only downside is the price.
• What are the downsides of working from home?
• We discussed the benefits and the potential downside.

How to use it: downside of something (The downside of this job is the long journey.); downside to something (There is a downside to living alone.)

Similar words: disadvantage, drawback

Opposites: upside, advantage

Common phrases: the downside, potential downside

A possible fall in prices or in the value of an investment.

• The shares still have considerable downside.
• Investors worry about further downside in the market.
• This strategy limits the downside if prices fall.

Opposites: upside

Common phrases: downside risk, limited downside

The bottom surface of something, or the surface meant to face down.

• The downside of the panel is rough.
• Mark the downside before fitting each tile.
• A small label identifies the downside of the sheet.

Similar words: underside, bottom

Opposites: top

Common phrases: the downside, downside of something