Search Dictionary
Definition of downside

downside

/ˈdaʊnˌsaɪd/
down · side

Plural:downsides
JUMP TO:

downside Lexical Profile

downside Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A negative aspect, disadvantage, or unfavorable consequence of a situation, plan, or decision.

Example

"The main downside of working remotely is the occasional feeling of isolation from colleagues."


2

A downward trend or potential decrease in value, price, or economic performance.

Example

"Government bonds offer modest returns, but they help protect the portfolio against a sharp market downside."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for downside
Antonyms
View all antonyms for downside

• adjective

1

Relating to or denoting the potential loss or negative trend in a financial market, investment, or business venture.

Example

"The analysts carefully evaluated the downside risk before recommending the stock to conservative investors."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for downside

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 17th century as a compound of 'down' and 'side', originally referring literally to the lower side or bottom surface of an object before developing its financial and figurative senses of a negative aspect in the mid-20th century.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Downside. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/downside
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.