Phrase guide

first-mover disadvantage

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A situation in which a company or individual that creates or introduces a new idea, product, or service is later at a disadvantage because others are able to copy or improve upon it, making the original seem less innovative or valuable, or because of other factors, such as breaking down barriers (at a cost) that others thus won't have to face.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.