Harmful: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing something that causes harm or injury, often in health, environmental, or social contexts.

• Smoking is harmful to your health.
• Consuming too much sugar can be harmful to your body.

Used when something causes damage, usually to objects, relationships, or reputations.

• The scandal was very damaging to the company's reputation.
• Strong winds can be damaging to crops.

Used when something poses a risk or threat of harm or injury, often in physical contexts.

• Swimming in that river is dangerous due to strong currents.
• Texting while driving is extremely dangerous.

Used when describing something that is chemically poisonous or harmful in a figurative sense, such as toxic relationships or environments. It often has a negative connotation.

• The chemical spill created a toxic environment.
• Being in a toxic relationship can be very draining.

Used when something causes complete ruin or destruction, often in catastrophic events or behaviors.

• The hurricane was highly destructive, destroying many homes.
• His anger led to destructive behavior.

This word is used to describe something that can cause damage or injury, typically to health or well-being.

• Smoking is harmful to your lungs.
• Eating too much sugar can be harmful to your health.

This word is used to describe something that causes damage or harm, often in contexts where the harm affects long-term outcomes or well-being.

• Excessive stress can be detrimental to your health.
• The policy changes might be detrimental to the company's success.

This is a formal word used to describe something that causes harm or damage, particularly in a subtle or unexpected way.

• Prolonged exposure to sunlight can have deleterious effects on the skin.
• The chemicals have a deleterious impact on the environment.

This word is often used in more formal contexts to describe something that has a negative or unfavorable effect, especially in legal, medical, or professional settings.

• The patient had an adverse reaction to the medication.
• Adverse weather conditions caused the flight to be delayed.

This word describes conditions or situations that are not advantageous and often hinder progress or results. It doesn't always imply damage but indicates a lack of support or benefit.

• The weather conditions were unfavorable for our picnic.
• The company has an unfavorable position in the market.