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

Nutritional physiology researcher Dr Freyja Haigh said they had not seen a detriment to Mr James' overall health from the fortnightly blood samples he sent to them.

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Parliament on Thursday approved a reform to separate the training, careers and status of judges and prosecutors, whom right-leaning governments in Italy have long accused of colluding to the detriment of the defence.

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Translation: Bisignano relied on short-term cost cutting, to the detriment of the company’s long-term health.

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Unfortunately for the Incas, their case also underscores the truth that the advantages of manmade connections can run both ways, sometimes to the detriment of the creators.

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"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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Related Words

• disadvantage