Meaning & Definition of word "Detrimental"

Detrimental

/ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntəl/

adjective:

  • 1. Likely to harm or cause injury.
    • Example: Ignoring the warning signs can be detrimental to your safety.
  • 2. Causing harm or damage.
    • Example: The chemical spill had a detrimental effect on the local water supply.
  • 3. Resulting in a disadvantage or negative consequences.
    • Example: Excessive screen time can be detrimental to children's health.
  • 4. Having a harmful or negative impact.
    • Example: The policy changes were found to be detrimental to the economy.

Etymology

From Latin 'detrimentum', meaning 'loss, damage'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

detrimental to health:

Causing harm to one's health.

detrimental effects:

Negative outcomes resulting from a specific action or situation.

Related Words

detriment:

The state of being harmed or damaged.

injury:

An instance of being harmed or damaged.

harm:

Physical injury or damage to a person's body.

Slang Meanings of detrimental