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Harmfulness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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harmfulness

[ˈhɑːm.fəl.nəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

noun

The quality or state of being harmful; injuriousness.

Synonyms

detriment, injuriousness, toxicity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harmfulness

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

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.
injuriousness

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

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.

Examples of usage

  • Harmfulness of smoking is well known.
  • The harmfulness of pesticides on the environment.
Context #2 | Noun

noun

The degree to which something is harmful or injurious.

Synonyms

danger, seriousness, severity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harmfulness

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.
severity

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.
seriousness

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.
danger

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.

Examples of usage

  • The harmfulness of the chemicals was evident in the lab results.
  • The harmfulness of the side effects outweighed the benefits.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that experiences of harm can lead to lasting emotional and psychological effects such as trauma.
  • The concept of 'harmful' behaviors in psychology often includes actions that affect mental health, such as bullying or abuse.
  • Understanding harmfulness is crucial in therapeutic settings to address past traumas and foster recovery.

Environmental Impact

  • Harmfulness in an environmental context refers to actions like pollution, which can harm ecosystems and human health.
  • Certain chemicals, like pesticides, have been studied for their harmful effects on both wildlife and human beings.
  • Deforestation is seen as a harmful practice, leading to loss of biodiversity and contributing to climate change.

Health and Safety

  • Harmfulness in food relates to ingredients that can cause allergies or long-term health issues, such as trans fats.
  • Some social behaviors, such as substance abuse, are categorized as harmful due to their negative consequences on life quality.
  • Public health campaigns often focus on reducing harmful practices like smoking, due to their known risks.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often debate the ethical implications of harm, exploring concepts of utilitarianism where the goal is to minimize harm.
  • The idea of moral harm includes actions that inflict emotional pain, posing questions about responsibilities towards others.
  • Legal systems often incorporate harmfulness into laws to protect individuals from violence or unfair practices.

Origin of 'harmfulness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'harm,' which comes from Old English 'hearm' meaning damage or injury, and the suffix '-ness,' which indicates a state or quality.
  • The roots of 'harm' can be traced back to Proto-Germanic, where it meant injury or evil.
  • The suffix '-ness' is derived from Old English, indicating a condition or quality, which creates a way to describe the state of causing harm.

The word 'harmfulness' is derived from the word 'harmful', which has roots in the Middle English word 'harmeful' meaning hurtful, injurious. The suffix '-ness' is added to form the noun 'harmfulness', indicating the state or quality of being harmful. The concept of harmfulness has been a concern throughout history, especially in the fields of health, environment, and safety.

See also: harm, harmed, harmful, harmfully, harming, harmless, harmony, unharmed.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,332, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.