Harmfulness: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to discuss the general potential to cause damage or negative effects, especially in contexts dealing with health, safety, behavior, or the environment.

• The harmfulness of smoking is well-documented.
• We should be aware of the harmfulness of spreading false information.

Detriment is used to denote damage or loss, often in formal or legal contexts. It can also imply something that impairs or diminishes the overall quality of something.

• The new policies were implemented to the detriment of employee benefits.
• His constant absences were a detriment to the project’s success.

This term is used to emphasize the injury or harm caused, usually in legal or medical contexts. It has a formal tone.

• The injuriousness of the pharmaceutical product was brought up during the trial.
• Injuriousness of certain chemicals in the workplace must be thoroughly evaluated.

Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can cause harm to an organism. It is often used in scientific, medical, and environmental contexts, and has a direct negative connotation.

• Doctors are concerned about the toxicity of the new drug.
• The toxicity levels in the lake have risen due to pollution.

Used to describe the negative impact or detrimental effect something has on someone or something.

• The harmfulness of smoking is well-documented.
• We should consider the harmfulness of these chemicals to the environment.

Describes the intensity or extreme nature of something, often used in the context of pain, weather, or punishment.

• The severity of the storm caused widespread damage.
• Due to the severity of the crime, he was sentenced to life in prison.

Indicates the critical or important nature of a situation, often used to emphasize the gravity of a circumstance.

• The seriousness of the illness cannot be overstated.
• They didn't realize the seriousness of the financial crisis until it was too late.

Refers to the possibility of harm or injury, often used in situations where there is an immediate or potential risk.

• The sign warned of the danger of electrocution.
• He was in serious danger when the fire broke out.