pros and cons

Arguments both ways

The pros and cons are the arguments for and against something—the advantages and disadvantages to weigh when making a decision: Let's discuss the pros and cons before we commit.

Pro comes from Latin for "for," con from "against." The phrase almost always appears as a unit; using either word alone in this sense sounds incomplete.

advantages

benefits

Gains or helpful effects

meritsPositive attributes or warrants
positivesFavorable qualities or aspects
strengthsPowers or capabilities

upsides · assets · perks · bonuses · gains · pluses · virtues · rewards · opportunities · boons

disadvantages

drawbacks

Unfavorable features or aspects

downsidesNegative consequences or aspects
negativesUnfavorable aspects or refusals
weaknessesPoints of vulnerability

limitations · shortcomings · flaws · faults · defects · liabilities · obstacles · hindrances · penalties · detriments

Categories

comparisonscomparison, compare, comparative, analogy, metaphor
consumer forumscomplaints, ratings, discussions, testimonials, user experiences
Decision-Makingchoice, poor judgment, sound judgment, informed decision, hasty decision
decision makingchoice, preference, picking, selection, options
decisionschoice, make a decision, choices, yes, no
Film Reviewsfilm review, movie review, film critic, critic, reviewer

Opposites

evaluative completeness

pros and consfinal verdict

Conclusive legal determination

foregone conclusion · absolute certainty · fait accompli · done deal · snap judgment

deliberative state

pros and consdecision

Settled course of action

conclusion · verdict · resolution · determination · done deal

evaluative balance

pros and consall good

Satisfactory, no concerns

black-and-white thinking

Family

contrast, contrary, proactive, cons, pros, contraband, contra, proactivity

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G