劣势 (lièshì)

劣势 refers to a position of weakness or inferiority compared to a competitor or rival.

Meanings

[noun] disadvantage; inferior position; the weaker side

Example Sentences

我们在价格方面处于劣势。 Wǒmen zài jiàgé fāngmiàn chǔyú lièshì. We are at a disadvantage in terms of price.

了解自己的劣势才能改进。 Liǎojiě zìjǐ de lièshì cái néng gǎijìn. Only by understanding your disadvantages can you improve.

这支球队在体力上有明显劣势。 Zhè zhī qiúduì zài tǐlì shàng yǒu míngxiǎn lièshì. This team has a clear physical disadvantage.

承认劣势不是软弱，而是智慧。 Chéngrèn lièshì bú shì ruǎnruò, ér shì zhìhuì. Admitting disadvantages is not weakness but wisdom.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
处于劣势	to be at a disadvantage
明显劣势	obvious disadvantage
竞争劣势	competitive disadvantage
克服劣势	to overcome a disadvantage

Usage Notes

劣势 is the antonym of 优势 (advantage). It is commonly used in business, sports, and academic contexts. The phrase 处于劣势 (to be in an inferior position) is especially frequent at B1 level.

Memory Hook

Imagine someone with a "列" (weak) "势" (power stance) -- they are clearly in a disadvantageous position, a 劣势.