detrimental

UK: ˌdetrɪˈment(ə)l | US: ˌdetrɪˈment(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. causing harm or damage

  2. adj. having a negative or destructive effect

Structure
detriment <damage>al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "detrimental" originates from the Latin detrimentum, meaning "damage" or "loss," derived from deterere ("to wear away"). The suffix -al (from Latin -alis) converts the noun into an adjective, giving the modern sense of "harmful." The morpheme detriment preserves its core meaning of damage, while -al signals its adjectival function. This logical progression reflects how Latin roots evolved into English to describe negative impacts.

Examples

  1. Smoking is detrimental to your health.

  2. The new policy had a detrimental effect on small businesses.

  3. Lack of sleep can be detrimental to cognitive performance.

  4. Excessive screen time is detrimental to children's development.

  5. The chemical spill proved detrimental to the local ecosystem.