detrimental

[ de-truh-men-tl ]

adjective

1. causing detriment, as loss or injury; damaging; harmful.

noun

1. a detrimental person or thing.

detrimental

/ ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntəl /

adjective

1. whenpostpositive, foll by to harmful; injurious; prejudicial

   smoking can be detrimental to health

Derived Forms

• ˌdetriˈmentally, adverb

Other Words From

• detri·men·tali·ty detri·mental·ness noun
• detri·mental·ly adverb
• nondet·ri·mental adjective
• nondet·ri·mental·ly adverb
• predet·ri·mental adjective
• undet·ri·mental adjective
• undet·ri·mental·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of detrimental¹

First recorded in 1650–60; detriment + -al ¹

Example Sentences

He said the council was "bound by the law" and it was "not obliged to mediate" a claim that it believed was detrimental to the public interest.

From BBC

A spokesperson added that organisers rely on the collaboration with police and local authorities, but "this continued rhetoric unquestionably has a detrimental effect on the events planning process".

From BBC

On Monday, Trump vowed to implement a 25% tariff on goods coming from Mexico and Canada to crack down on drug imports, which could have detrimental economic impacts for all three countries.

From Salon

Previous studies have shown that exercise in leisure time is more beneficial for the cardiovascular system than physical activity at work, which can even be detrimental to health.

From Science Daily

Educators are reeling at McMahon’s appointment, fearing that she will have a detrimental impact on students across the country.

From Salon

Related Words

• adverse
• destructive
• disturbing
• harmful
• hurtful
• inimical
• injurious
• negative
• pernicious
• prejudicial
• unfavorable