Detrimental: meaning, definitions and examples

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detrimental

 

[ ˌdetrɪˈmentl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in a negative way

Causing harm or damage; unfavorable; detrimental effects on health.

Synonyms

adverse, damaging, harmful, unfavorable.

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Word Description / Examples
detrimental

Use this word to describe something that has a harmful effect, especially when talking about health, development, or progress.

  • Smoking is detrimental to your health
  • Prolonged exposure to the sun can be detrimental to your skin
harmful

A general word used to describe anything that causes harm or injury, often used in the context of health, substances, or behaviors.

  • Too much sugar is harmful to your teeth
  • Secondhand smoke is harmful to your health
damaging

This word is used to describe something that causes physical harm, breaks something, or negatively affects a reputation.

  • The scandal had a damaging effect on his career
  • Acid rain is damaging to the ecosystem
unfavorable

This word is used to describe conditions or situations that are not beneficial or advantageous, often used in formal or professional settings.

  • The weather conditions were unfavorable for sailing
  • The team received unfavorable reviews from the critics
adverse

This word is often used in formal contexts to describe effects or conditions that are harmful or unfavorable. Commonly found in medical, environmental, or economic discussions.

  • The medication can cause adverse side effects
  • The company faced adverse market conditions

Examples of usage

  • The detrimental effects of smoking on lung health are well-known.
  • Excessive use of social media can have a detrimental impact on mental health.

Translations

Translations of the word "detrimental" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prejudicial

🇮🇳 हानिकारक (Haanikarak)

🇩🇪 schädlich

🇮🇩 berbahaya

🇺🇦 шкідливий

🇵🇱 szkodliwy

🇯🇵 有害な (Yūgai na)

🇫🇷 néfaste

🇪🇸 perjudicial

🇹🇷 zararlı

🇰🇷 해로운 (Haeroun)

🇸🇦 ضار (Dhar)

🇨🇿 škodlivý

🇸🇰 škodlivý

🇨🇳 有害的 (Yǒuhài de)

🇸🇮 škodljiv

🇮🇸 skaðlegur

🇰🇿 зиянды (Ziyandy)

🇬🇪 ზიანის მომტანი (Zianis momtani)

🇦🇿 zərərli

🇲🇽 perjudicial

Etymology

The word 'detrimental' originated from the Latin word 'detrimentum', meaning 'loss' or 'damage'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of something being detrimental has been recognized across various cultures and languages as a warning against actions or behaviors that may cause harm or negative consequences.

See also: detriment, detrimentally.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,420 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.