detriment

[de-truh-muhnt]

noun

1. loss, damage, disadvantage, or injury.

2. a cause of loss or damage.

detriment

/ ˈdɛtrɪmənt /

noun

1. disadvantage or damage; harm; loss

2. a cause of disadvantage or damage

Word History and Origins

Origin of detriment¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English from Middle French, from Latin dētrīmentum “loss, damage,” from dētrī- ( detritus ) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of detriment¹

C15: from Latin dētrīmentum, a rubbing off, hence damage, from dēterere to rub away, from _de- + terere to rub

Synonym Study

See damage.

Example Sentences

"Defendants have made a range of arguments that, if accepted, risk blurring the line between civil and military federal power - to the detriment of this nation."

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Immergut ruled that the administration's arguments for the deployment "risk blurring the line between civil and military federal power - to the detriment of this nation".

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They also accuse the government of siding with BP to their detriment.

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"When you get told by a judge that you have suffered detriment, and you still can't receive that money – it kind of makes it worse," she says.

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"I continue to suffer significant detriment" prevented from attending conference and "being able to stand for leader this year".

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Related Words

• disadvantage