harmful — causing or likely to cause harm; damaging
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: causing or likely to cause harm; damaging
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhɑːrmfəl/
Example Sentences
- My mom says video games are harmful, but I think vegetables are more harmful to my happiness.
- The harmful chemicals in the factory were causing serious environmental problems.
- Too much screen time can be harmful to your eyesight.
harmful
ADJECTIVE[/ˈhɑːrmfəl/]
causing or likely to cause harm; damaging

Smoking can be harmful to both your health and the people around you.

Scientists warned that harmful chemicals had entered the river.

Being careful and helpful can prevent harmful situations.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Harmful originated in Middle English during the 14th century, combining the noun harm (meaning injury or damage) with the suffix -ful (meaning full of or characterized by). The word developed to describe something that causes or is capable of causing harm or injury.
Breakdown
harm (injury, damage) + -ful (adjective suffix meaning full of or characterized by).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom says video games are harmful, but I think vegetables are more harmful to my happiness.”
“The harmful chemicals in the factory were causing serious environmental problems.”
“Too much screen time can be harmful to your eyesight.”
“The doctor said my singing voice is harmful to small animals within a 5-mile radius.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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