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harmful
/ˈhɑːmfl̩/
Describes something that causes damage, injury, or negative effects. It is a broad term that covers both physical trauma and abstract deterioration, such as psychological or social harm.
Unlike "toxic" or "lethal," which imply chemical danger or death, "harmful" is more general. It focuses on the result of an action or substance rather than the mechanism of destruction.
It often carries a cautionary or judgmental tone. In formal contexts (medical, legal, or environmental), it serves as a factual descriptor of risk. In casual conversation, it is frequently used to describe behaviors or habits that are detrimental to one's well-being.
💬Casual Conversation
Seriously, are you still doing that detox thing? It's a load of rubbish.
It's not harmful, Karen. Just optimizing my personal bandwidth.
Meanings
Collocations & Compounds
harmful effects
negative consequences or impacts that cause damage or injury.
The study highlighted the harmful effects of smoking on lung health.
harmful substances
materials or chemicals that can cause damage to health or the environment.
Workers must be trained to handle harmful substances safely.
harmful pollution
contamination of the environment that causes damage.
The factory was fined for releasing harmful pollution into the river.
harmful radiation
energy emitted in the form of rays or particles that can cause damage.
Exposure to harmful radiation can increase the risk of cancer.
harmful impact
a damaging or detrimental effect.
The new policy had a harmful impact on small businesses.