Detrimental Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：harmful (detrimental)

detrimental 🔊

/ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntl/

adj.

Describes something that causes damage or has a bad effect, like bad food for health.

harmful 🔊

➕

/ˈhɑːrmfəl/

adj.

Causing damage or having a negative effect on something.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'detrimentum' (loss), from 'de-' (down) + 'terere' (to rub/wear).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'detri' like 'destroy' and 'mental' – harmful to your mind or body.

📖 Example

Staying up too late is detrimental to both your physical health and your ability to concentrate the next day. 🔊 Staying up too late is detrimental to both your physical health and your ability to concentrate the next day.

🔗 Collocations

detrimental effect – a harmful outcome

be detrimental to – cause damage to something

detrimental impact – a negative influence

🔄 Synonyms

harmful (adj.) – causing or likely to cause harm

damaging (adj.) – causing physical or emotional harm

injurious (adj.) – causing injury or damage

🚫 Antonyms

beneficial (adj.) – producing good results or helpful effects

advantageous (adj.) – giving a better chance of success

helpful (adj.) – providing assistance or support

🌱 Derivatives

detriment (n.) – harm or damage

detrimentally (adv.) – in a harmful manner

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'detrimentum' meaning 'loss from rubbing', from 'detrere' (to rub away). In ancient Rome, it described physical wear or financial loss.