Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
DISADVANTAGE
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English disavauntage, from Anglo-French desavantage, from des- dis- + avantage advantage
Date: 14th century
loss or damage especially to reputation, credit, or finances ; detriment ,
2. an unfavorable, inferior, or prejudicial condition , a quality or circumstance that makes achievement unusually difficult ; handicap ,
II. transitive verb
Date: circa 1534
to place at a disadvantage ; harm