detrimental - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
detrimental Word Meanings
- causing harm or damage
- injurious
- unfavorable or disadvantageous
detrimental Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
detrimental Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntl/
US
/ˌdɛtrəˈmɛn.təl/
detrimental Word Etymology
de- = from/off + triment = harm. Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Picture a large weight 'detriment' being lifted off something, symbolizing the removal of harm.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Detrimental is a formal adjective used to describe something that causes harm or damage, often in ways that worsen a situation over time. It implies a net negative effect that can be measured or observed, and is commonly used with to or for, as in detrimental to health, the environment, or a company’s finances. Compared with harmful, detrimental signals a stronger, more lasting consequence and is frequent in academic, policy, and professional writing. It is not interchangeable with destructive, which emphasizes force or total ruin. When choosing this word, consider whether you want to stress long‑term harm rather than a single incident.
Usage Reminders
- Use with to or for; keep the tone formal and academic
- Reserve detrimental for long-term, broad negative effects
- Don't substitute for every harmful situation
- Pair with nouns like health, environment, economy
- Be mindful of the nuance: not just 'bad', but convey lasting impact
- Check that the following noun is appropriate for a negative outcome
Common Misconceptions
- Detrimental always implies intentional harm
- It only describes damage to health
- It is interchangeable with harmful in all contexts
- It refers to a one-time incident, not long-term effects
- It cannot be used with abstract nouns like policy or economy
Thinking Differences
Detrimental is a formal, policy/academic term. Learners often confuse it with harmful or damaging and overapply it in casual speech; use when you want to stress lasting negative effects.
Learning Tips
- Learn the common collocations with to and for (detrimental to health, detrimental for the environment).
- Note the formal register; reserve for policy, science, and professional writing.
- Differentiate from harmful and damaging by focusing on long-term negative effects.
- Practice with both concrete nouns (health, environment) and abstract nouns (policy, economy).
- Transform sentences to emphasize duration or scope of impact.
- Check prepositions: typically 'to' or 'for' after detrimental.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'detrimental'?
A.Harmful
B.Beneficial
C.Neutral
D.Pleasant
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'detrimental' used correctly?
A.The detrimental weather made the picnic even better.
B.The new policy had a detrimental impact on the company's profits.
C.Eating fruits and vegetables is detrimental to your health.
D.Exercise is detrimental to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'detrimental'?
A.Positive
B.Harmful
C.Detriment
D.Advantageous
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite meaning of 'detrimental'?
A.Destructive
B.Negative
C.Injurious
D.Favorable
Step 5: Mastery
How can 'detrimental' be applied in a real-life context?
A.Talking about how laughter is detrimental to happiness.
B.Discussing how smoking is detrimental to one's health.
C.Explaining how exercise is detrimental to physical fitness.
D.Mentioning how reading books is detrimental to knowledge.
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