harmful

American  

[hahrm-fuhl] / ˈhɑrm fəl /

adjective

1. causing or capable of causing harm; injurious.

   a harmful idea;

   a harmful habit.

   Synonyms:

   deleterious, damaging, detrimental, hurtful

   Antonyms:

   beneficial

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harmful British  

/ ˈhɑːmfʊl /

adjective

1. causing or tending to cause harm; injurious

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Other Word Forms

• harmfully adverb
• harmfulness noun
• quasi-harmful adjective
• quasi-harmfully adverb
• unharmful adjective
• unharmfully adverb

Etymology

Origin of harmful

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English hearmful; harm, -ful

Example Sentences

Over time, this interaction can create a harmful cycle that significantly increases the risk of developing CKM syndrome.

From Science Daily

It added that Grok will be blocked until effective safeguards are implemented and urged the public to report harmful online content.

From BBC

Spruce bark contains high levels of phenolic compounds that help protect trees from harmful fungi.

From Science Daily

Meta said that as with any recording device, people using smart glasses should not engage in "harmful activities like harassment, infringing privacy rights, or capturing sensitive information."

From BBC

Other critics have warned that widespread prediction-market contracts tied to war could create harmful incentives, especially if insiders charged with carrying out military actions are tempted to enrich themselves through side bets.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• adverse
• bad
• catastrophic
• damaging
• destructive
• detrimental
• disadvantageous
• disastrous
• inimical
• noxious
• painful
• pernicious
• risky
• ruinous
• sinful
• toxic
• unhealthy
• unsafe