advantage
noun [ C or U ]
uk/ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/ usa good feature that makes something better than similar things:
have/get/gain an advantage Smaller businesses often have an advantage in the area of customer relations.
advantage over sb Neither company appears to have a particular technological advantage over the other.
advantage for sb There are advantages for both employers and employees in flexible working hours.
the advantages of sth What are the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing?
the advantages of doing sth Some firms may find that the advantages of using free software outweigh the disadvantages.
The British ferry operator complained that its French rivals had an unfair advantage because of government aid.
a big/huge/major advantage Online advertising can have some major advantages.
a great/important/significant advantage Foreign domestic investment brings important advantages through new technologies and enhanced access to overseas markets.
a clear/definite/distinct advantage There can be distinct advantages in having a dominant individual presence in the boardroom.
See also
absolute advantage
comparative advantage
competitive advantage
first-mover advantage
last-mover advantage
second-mover advantage
at an advantage
in a more powerful or successful position than other people or things:
With the dollar weakening, US exporters will be at an advantage.
Your experience as a legal secretary undoubtedly puts you at an advantage in terms of legal knowledge.
take advantage of sth
to use your skills, resources, etc. or a particular situation in order to get an opportunity for yourself:
Have you taken full advantage of any tax-free savings plans?
be to sb's advantage (also work to sb's advantage)
to give a person or organization an advantage compared to other people or organizations:
The bank thought e-commerce could work to its advantage because these markets tended to be highly protected by regulation.
use sth to your (own) advantage
to use your skills, resources, etc. to get an opportunity for yourself:
She had some important contacts in the government, which she used to her advantage.