Damaging Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฅ
Add to dictionary

damaging

[หˆdรฆmษชdส’ษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a negative way

Causing harm or injury; detrimental.

Synonyms

destructive, harmful, unfavorable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
damaging

Used when something causes physical harm or negatively affects a reputation, relationship, or situation.

  • The article had damaging effects on his career.
  • The flood was damaging to the infrastructure of the town.
harmful

Appropriate when referring to something that has the potential to cause harm or negative health effects.

  • Smoking is harmful to your health.
  • The chemicals in the cleaner are harmful if ingested.
destructive

Implied when something causes severe and often irreparable damage or destruction.

  • The wildfire was highly destructive, wiping out entire neighborhoods.
  • His destructive behavior ruined many opportunities.
unfavorable

Best used to describe situations, conditions, or opinions that are not beneficial or supportive, often with a less severe connotation.

  • He received unfavorable feedback on his proposal.
  • The weather conditions were unfavorable for outdoor activities.

Examples of usage

  • The hurricane caused damaging winds and flooding.
  • The scandal had a damaging effect on his reputation.
  • Our lack of communication could be damaging to our relationship.
Context #2 | Verb

to cause harm or injury

Inflicting harm or injury on someone or something.

Synonyms

harm, impair, injure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
damaging

Appropriate for describing something that causes physical or emotional harm, often implying long-term negative effects. Can be used for both tangible and intangible damage.

  • The scandal had a damaging effect on his career
  • The storm was damaging to several homes in the area
harm

General use for any kind of damage, whether physical, emotional, or psychological. Suitable for broader and more general situations.

  • The toxic chemicals can cause serious harm to the environment
  • Spreading false rumors can harm someone's reputation
injure

Specific to physical harm or wound; commonly used in medical, sports, or accident-related contexts. Usually implies a temporary condition.

  • He was injured in a car accident
  • The player injured his ankle during the game
impair

Often used in a medical or technical context to indicate a weakening or reduction in function. Frequently used for longer-term conditions.

  • The disease can impair vision
  • Loud noise can impair hearing over time

Examples of usage

  • The fire damaged the building.
  • He was accused of damaging public property.
  • Please be careful not to damage the fragile equipment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Actions that are labeled as damaging can affect a person's mental health, leading to feelings of sadness or anxiety.
  • Negative talk, such as self-criticism, is considered damaging and can lower self-esteem over time.
  • Experiencing damaging situations, like bullying, can affect brain development in young individuals.

Environmental Impact

  • Pollution is often considered damaging to ecosystems, affecting both wildlife and plants.
  • Deforestation leads to damaging consequences for climate change, as it increases carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
  • Overfishing is another example of damaging human activity, disrupting marine biodiversity.

Pop Culture

  • Many songs and movies explore themes of damaging relationships, highlighting emotional turmoil and recovery.
  • Video games often have plots involving damaging decisions that lead to the downfall of heroes or cities.
  • Reality television often showcases damaging behaviors for entertainment, raising concerns about societal impacts.

Science

  • In biology, damaging mutations can lead to cell death or diseases, affecting living organisms.
  • Chemicals that are damaging to health can disrupt bodily functions and lead to chronic illnesses.
  • Changes in climate are damaging to many species, pushing them towards extinction due to habitat loss.

Origin of 'damaging'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'damager,' which means to harm or injure.
  • It can be traced back to the Latin 'damnum', meaning loss or damage.
  • The concept has been used in legal terms for centuries to refer to loss or harm caused by someoneโ€™s actions.

The word 'damaging' is derived from the verb 'damage', which comes from Middle English 'damagen', from Old French 'damager'. The term can be traced back to the Latin word 'damnum', meaning 'loss, damage'. Over time, 'damaging' has evolved to be used in various contexts to describe harm, injury, or detriment caused by someone or something.


See also: damage, damaged, damager, damagingly, undamaged.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,400 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.