What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drawback
Example
The only drawback of this job is the long commute. [drawback: noun]
Example
One major drawback of this product is its high cost. [drawback: noun]
hindrance
Example
The heavy traffic was a hindrance to our arrival at the airport. [hindrance: noun]
Example
Her lack of experience proved to be a hindrance in her new job. [hindrance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drawback is more commonly used than hindrance in everyday language. Drawback is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hindrance is less common and tends to be used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drawback and hindrance?
Hindrance is generally considered more formal than drawback. While drawback can be used in both formal and informal contexts, hindrance is more commonly used in academic or professional writing.