Count against is a phrasal verb that means something is considered to be an obstacle, disadvantage or negative point. There are various synonyms for this term, including: work against, go against, weigh against, detract from, diminish, invalidate, impair, spoil, hurt, mar and tarnish. These synonyms are commonly used while discussing the effects of an action, decision, or behavior, and its potential impact on a person or organization. Count against can also refer to factors that negatively affect someone's or something's reputation or future prospects. It is an important concept to understand when assessing the possible outcomes of an individual's choices or decisions.