Detrimental

usgb/ˌdetrɪˈmentl/
adjective

Causing harm or damage.

Smoking is detrimental to your health.
Visual representation of "detrimental" - Causing harm or damage

Often appears as...

  • detrimental effects
  • detrimental impact

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "detrimental"
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Negative Connotation

Use 'detrimental' when you want to emphasize the negative effects of something.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Uncontrolled tourism has been detrimental to the ancient ruins.
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Severity of Harm

'Detrimental' often implies serious harm or damage, rather than something minor.

Illustration for Severity of Harm
The chemical spill was detrimental to the ecosystem.
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Formal Tone

'Detrimental' is typically used in formal writing or speech, not in casual conversation.

Illustration for Formal Tone
Researchers have proven that this policy will have detrimental consequences.
Visual representation of the word "Detrimental"

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