drawback

noun — 3 senses

drawback

noun

UK /ˈdɹɔːˌbæk/ · US /ˈdɹɔˌbæk/

Etymology From draw + back. Compare setback.

1

A disadvantage; something that detracts or takes away.

  • Poor fuel economy is a common drawback among larger vehicles.
  • there was no one real drawback to her flutter of excitement and happy anticipation1820, Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, volume 121, page 526:
2

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

  • 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.1796, David Steel, New and Complete Tables of the Net Duties payable, and drawbacks allowed, on goods, wares, and merchandises..., page 5:
3

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

  • ‘I wanta learn to do the drawback better than Swiftie.’1982, Paul Radley, My Blue-Checker Corker and Me, Sydney: Fontana/Collins, page 123:

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.