ad·van·tage
Pronounced:
/ədˈvæntɪʤ, Brit ədˈvɑ:ntɪʤ/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural ad·van·tag·esMeaning:
1 [count] a : something (such as a good position or condition) that helps to make someone or something better or more likely to succeed than others ▪ Higher ground gave the enemy the/an advantage. ▪ He has/enjoys an unfair advantage over us because of his wealth. ▪ His plan has the advantage of being less expensive than other options. ▪ He lacked the advantages of an advanced education. ▪ Speed is an advantage in most sports. ▪ The company's only advantage over the competition is its location. ▪ Applicants for this job will find that previous experience is an advantage. ▪ The union should be at an advantage [=should have an advantage] in the negotiations. b : a good or desirable quality or feature ▪ Being able to set your own schedule is one of the advantages of owning a business. ▪ Among the advantages of a small college is its campus life. —opposite disadvantage
2 [noncount] : benefit or gain ▪ There isn't any advantage in/to leaving early. ▪ She used her position for personal advantage. [=for personal gain; to help herself] ▪ The error was to our advantage. [=we were helped by the error] —opposite disadvantage ◊If you turn/use something to your advantage or to good advantage, you use something in a way that is helpful to you. ▪ Is there a way to turn this situation to our advantage? [=is there a way to exploit this situation?; is there a way to take advantage of this situation?]
3 [noncount] tennis : the first point won after the score is tied at 40–40 —used to announce the person who has won the point ▪ Advantage Mr. Jones.
2 [noncount] : benefit or gain ▪ There isn't any advantage in/to leaving early. ▪ She used her position for personal advantage. [=for personal gain; to help herself] ▪ The error was to our advantage. [=we were helped by the error] —opposite disadvantage ◊If you turn/use something to your advantage or to good advantage, you use something in a way that is helpful to you. ▪ Is there a way to turn this situation to our advantage? [=is there a way to exploit this situation?; is there a way to take advantage of this situation?]
3 [noncount] tennis : the first point won after the score is tied at 40–40 —used to announce the person who has won the point ▪ Advantage Mr. Jones.
take advantage of
1 : to use (something, such as an opportunity) in a way that helps you : to make good use of (something) ▪ We took advantage of the warm weather and did some yard work. ▪ They are taking advantage of an opportunity to travel. ▪ You should take (full) advantage of this opportunity while you can.
2 a : to ask for or expect more than is fair or reasonable from (someone) : to treat (someone who is generous or helpful) unfairly ▪ After a while, I began to think she was taking advantage of me. b : to use (something) unfairly for personal gain ▪ He took advantage of [=exploited] my lack of knowledge. ▪ She took advantage of our generosity.
2 a : to ask for or expect more than is fair or reasonable from (someone) : to treat (someone who is generous or helpful) unfairly ▪ After a while, I began to think she was taking advantage of me. b : to use (something) unfairly for personal gain ▪ He took advantage of [=exploited] my lack of knowledge. ▪ She took advantage of our generosity.
to advantage
: in an attractive and appealing way ▪ The display shows off the collection to (good/best) advantage.