Definition
劣势 (liè shì) means 'disadvantage' or 'inferior position' — it describes a situation where someone or something is in a weaker or less favorable position compared to others. It differs from 缺点 (quē diǎn 'shortcoming, defect'), which refers to a flaw in a person or thing, and from 坏处 (huài chù 'drawback, harm'), which focuses on negative effects or downsides. 弱势 (ruò shì) is similar but emphasizes vulnerability, often used for disadvantaged groups.
noun
disadvantageinferior position
Easily confused
- 烈士liè shìsound-alikemartyr (especially revolutionary or national hero who died for a cause)
Examples
- ，劣势。Zài jìngzhēng zhōng, wǒmen chǔyú liè shì.We are at a disadvantage in the competition.
- 劣势。Tāmen nǔlì bǎ liè shì biànchéng yōushì.They worked hard to turn the disadvantage into an advantage.
- 劣势。Tā qīngchu zìjǐ de liè shì zài nǎlǐ.He knows where his disadvantages lie.
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