Detrimental Meaning in English

word

US

ˌdɛtɹəˈmɛnəɫ/, /ˌdɛtɹəˈmɛntəɫ

det-ruh-MEN-tuhl

UK

dˌɛtɹɪmˈɛntəl

det-ri-MEN-tuhl

Definition

Causing harm or damage; something that has a negative effect on someone or something.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly formal or academic. Common collocations: 'detrimental effect', 'detrimental to'. Used for serious or measurable harm, not minor annoyances. Not used for physical injuries (use 'harmful' or 'damaging').

• Spanish: perjudicial - dañino
• Portuguese (BR): prejudicial - nocivo
• Portuguese (PT): prejudicial - nocivo
• Chinese (Simplified): 有害的
• Chinese (Traditional): 有害的
• Hindi: हानिकारक
• Arabic: ضارّ - مؤذٍ
• Bengali: ক্ষতিকর - অপকারী
• Russian: вредный - пагубный
• Japanese: 有害な - 悪影響を与える
• Vietnamese: có hại - gây tổn hại
• Korean: 해로운 - 유해한
• Turkish: zararlı - menfi
• Urdu: مضر - نقصان دہ
• Indonesian: merugikan - berdampak buruk

Example Sentences

Smoking is detrimental to your health.

basic

Lack of sleep can have detrimental effects on learning.

basic

Too much sun exposure is detrimental to your skin.

basic

Spending hours on your phone late at night can be detrimental to your mental health.

natural

Cutting art and music programs could be detrimental to students' creativity.

natural

Ignoring small problems now might be detrimental in the long run.

natural