What is one disadvantage of using XML for data serialization compared to JSON?

Using XML for data serialization compared to JSON can indeed be disadvantageous primarily because XML typically results in larger file sizes. This enlargement is due to XML's verbose nature, where data is wrapped in descriptive tags. Each piece of data is prefaced and concluded with opening and closing tags, which can significantly increase the amount of text in the document, especially when compared to JSON's more concise structure that uses key-value pairs without the overhead of extensive tagging.

In applications where data size is critical, such as in web APIs or mobile applications where bandwidth may be limited, the reduced size of JSON can lead to faster transmission times and reduced load on servers. Consequently, opting for JSON in these cases can enhance performance and user experience.

The other options present characteristics that do not accurately reflect the comparative strengths and weaknesses between XML and JSON. For instance, XML is quite versatile and supports complex data structures well, including attributes and mixed content. Additionally, XML has robust nesting capabilities, and it is commonly utilized in various APIs, demonstrating its flexibility and functionality in data serialization.