detrimental

/ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ (bre, ipa) · [dˌɛtrəmˈɛntəl] /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ (ame, ipa) · [dˌɛtrəmˈɛntəl] /ˌde-trə-ˈmen-tᵊl/ (ame, mw)

detrimental — adjective

  • detrimentalpositive
  • more detrimentalcomparative
  • most detrimentalsuperlative

1. having a harmful effect on someone or something, typically in a way that builds

1.形容詞B2
釋義

having a harmful effect on someone or something, typically in a way that builds up and gets worse over time

例句

The long hours proved detrimental to Fatima's health over time.

detrimental to [noun]: standard preposition pattern

Soren worried that skipping breakfast would be detrimental to his focus.

同義詞
  • harmful

    more common and broader; can describe physical, emotional, or abstract harm

  • damaging

    emphasises the visible result or act of causing damage, often physical

  • adverse

    more neutral and technical; common in formal reports about conditions or effects

反義詞
  • beneficial

    direct opposite: producing good effects rather than harm

文法句型

detrimental + to + noun phrase

用法筆記

Usually followed by 'to' and a noun phrase naming what is harmed: 'detrimental to health,' 'detrimental to progress.' The pattern 'detrimental for' is possible but much less common.

常見錯誤

❌The comment was detrimental to her feelings.
✅The comment was hurtful to her feelings.
💡'detrimental' describes lasting harm to things like health, progress, or the environment, not emotional upset or short-lived hurt.