What does advantage mean?
An advantage is any circumstance, quality, or condition that places a person, group, or thing in a more favorable position relative to others. The word covers everything from tangible benefits — extra resources, better technology, superior skills — to intangible ones such as experience, timing, or information. It is among the most widely used words in discussions of competition, appearing constantly in business, sports, education, and everyday decision-making: a company may hold a competitive advantage, a candidate an advantage over rivals, or a player the advantage of home ground. Related forms include "advantageous" (describing something beneficial) and "advantaged" (describing a person in a favored position, often contrasted with "disadvantaged"). One common phrase carries two very different meanings: "take advantage of" can mean simply to make good use of an opportunity, or, less charitably, to exploit someone unfairly. In tennis, "advantage" also names the point scored after deuce. Overall, it is a versatile, largely positive word central to how we talk about success and opportunity.
A condition or circumstance that puts someone in a favorable or superior position; a benefit or gain.
"Her years of experience gave her a significant advantage over the other applicants."
Also used in tennis for the first point scored after deuce.
To put someone in a better position; to benefit or profit someone.
"The new policy was designed to advantage small businesses."
Less common than the noun; often used in formal or legal contexts.
Standard plural, used when referring to multiple distinct benefits or favorable conditions.
"The advantages of city living include better transport and more job opportunities."
The word "advantage" literally contains "advance" — because to have an advantage is, at root, to be further along than everyone else.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of advantage
"Advantage" comes from the Old French "avantage", derived from "avant" meaning "before" or "ahead", which itself traces back to the Latin "abante" — being in front. This origin explains the word's core sense: to have an advantage is literally to be ahead of others. The word entered English in the late medieval period through French influence. Its Romance relatives include "vantage", which shares the same root, and the broader family of words built on "avant" such as "advance" and "advent".
Related word forms
How advantage is actually used
"Advantage" is neutral to positive in connotation and common in both formal and informal registers. Note that "take advantage of" has two distinct senses: making good use of an opportunity (neutral) and unfairly exploiting a person or situation (negative). In tennis, "advantage" has a specialized technical meaning following deuce.
Easily confused with advantage
"Vantage" refers specifically to a position or viewpoint that offers a good view or perspective, while "advantage" is a broader term for any favorable circumstance or benefit.