Words / C1

detr-i-MENTL/ˌdetrɪˈmentl/

Detrimental means causing harm, usually detrimental to + noun: detrimental to health. Harmful is everyday; damaging is close. Detriment is the noun (to the detriment of), and the adjective belongs in reports and essays. In speech, bad for is enough — do not use it for a mildly annoying habit unless you mean real harm.

Meaning

Causing harm or damage.

Examples

• “Lack of sleep is detrimental to memory.”
• “Skipping breakfast proved detrimental to her concentration.”
• “The delay was detrimental to small suppliers, not to the chain.”

Good to know

detrimental to + noun. Noun: detriment. Everyday: harmful / bad for. Formal register.

Near in meaning

harmful

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