Detrimental
(Adjective) | Pronunciation: /ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntl/
Definition & Meaning
The word “detrimental” describes something that causes harm, damage, or a negative effect.
- In General Use – Something that leads to a bad or harmful outcome.
- In Health & Environment – A factor that negatively affects well-being or nature.
- In Business & Society – An action or policy that has adverse consequences.
💡 Did You Know? Excessive screen time can be detrimental to your sleep quality!
Word Origin & History
- Etymology: From Latin “detrimentum” (loss, damage), which comes from “deterere” (to wear away, rub off).
- Historical Usage: Used in English since the 17th century to describe anything harmful or damaging.
- Cultural Influence: Commonly used in discussions about health, environment, and business.
📖 Example: Pollution is detrimental to marine life and ecosystems.
Synonyms & Antonyms
🔹 Synonyms (Similar Meanings)
- Harmful
- Damaging
- Adverse
- Destructive
🔻 Antonyms (Opposite Meanings)
- Beneficial
- Helpful
- Advantageous
- Positive
💡 Word Tip: The opposite of detrimental is beneficial—something that improves or helps a situation.
Example Sentences
✅ Smoking has detrimental effects on health.
✅ The new policy could be detrimental to small businesses.
✅ Poor diet choices are detrimental to overall well-being.
✅ Overuse of plastic is detrimental to the environment.
✅ His lack of sleep proved detrimental to his performance.
✅ Misinformation on social media can be detrimental to society.
✅ Neglecting mental health can have detrimental consequences.
✅ Corruption is detrimental to economic growth.
✅ Too much stress is detrimental to one’s productivity.
📌 Challenge: Can you think of something that is detrimental but often ignored?
Related Words & Phrases
These words are commonly linked to “detrimental”:
- Harmful
- Risky
- Negative impact
- Dangerous
- Disadvantageous
- Toxic
- Hazardous
- Unfavorable
Example: Excess sugar intake is detrimental to health and can lead to diabetes.
Usage Trends & Popularity
🧐 Trending Now: Studies on how climate change is detrimental to agriculture.
📢 Discuss: Should companies be held responsible for detrimental environmental effects?
Fun Activities & Challenges
🔠 Word Puzzle: Unscramble this → R M E N D I T E A T L
🧠 Quick Quiz:
💭 What does detrimental mean?
A) Helpful
B) Harmful ✅
C) Encouraging
✍ Word Story Challenge: Write a short paragraph using “detrimental” creatively!
User Contributions & Comments
💬 Share Your Thoughts: What’s one detrimental habit people should avoid?
📢 Join the discussion below!
Advanced Learning & Fun Facts
Common Detrimental Factors in Life
- Poor lifestyle choices (junk food, lack of exercise)
- Environmental pollution
- Stress and overworking
- Excessive use of technology
Scientific & Psychological Impact
- Long-term stress can be detrimental to mental health.
- Some chemicals in processed food have detrimental effects on the body.
Famous Quotes
“Fear and self-doubt are detrimental to success.”
— Motivational Speaker
💡 Did You Know? Noise pollution is detrimental to both humans and wildlife!