English vocabulary · B2
Detrimental
/ˌdet.rɪˈmen.təl/ · adj.
It means causing harm or damage to something. When something is detrimental, it makes a situation worse or hurts your health, work, or life.
Continue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- Poor sleep is detrimental to your focus and mood.
- Stress can be detrimental to your body over time.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- de — away (from Latin)
- trim — wear down (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- HARMFUL — causing damage or hurt (General & Everyday)
- DAMAGING — leaving lasting negative effects (Result-Focused)
- BAD — not good; causing problems (Simple & Direct)
Words with the same root
trim — wear down
- detriment — damage or harm to something
- attrition — gradual wearing down over time
- trite — worn out from overuse; no longer fresh
Lesson notes
Detrimental. It means causing harm or damage to something. When something is detrimental, it makes a situation worse or hurts your health, work, or life.
Similar words are harmful, damaging, and bad. Use detrimental when something causes clear harm to a person's health, work, or plans.
Poor sleep is detrimental to your focus and mood. Stress can be detrimental to your body over time.
From Latin. de- means away. trim- means wear down. Something that wears you down and takes things away — that is detrimental.