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What word would best suit this analogy?

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2 Answers

up vote 7 down vote accepted

Drawback is the first word that comes to mind. Other possibilities listed by Wiktionary are disadvantage, hindrance, encumbrance, nuisance, obstacle, or detriment. (Listed more-or-less in decreasing order of relevance, at least in my opinion.)

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Ahh, drawback seems to click with me. Thanks! – y2bd Dec 31 '10 at 20:30
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Consider "liability" as well – John Satta Dec 31 '10 at 20:35
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@Jason L. If Martha's answer clicks with you, consider accepting it by clicking the check mark for her, or at least giving her an up vote. – Robusto Dec 31 '10 at 20:41
@Robusto Oh, sorry! – y2bd Jan 1 '11 at 0:34
up vote 8 down vote

Detriment?

I'm not sure exactly how benefit should relate to pro, but as pro and con are opposites, I would consider detriment to be appropriate.

Merriam-Webster also lists: disadvantage, drawback, encumbrance, hindrance, impediment, minus as antonyms for benefit.

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I agree that "benefit" is not the best fit for "pro", but as the question was asked, this is the most accurate answer. – John Y Jan 1 '11 at 0:16

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