Word
damaging
Meanings
causing physical harm or deterioration
harmful to someone’s reputation, relationships, or future opportunities
Definition
Causing harm or negative effects to someone or something.
Damaging means causing harm, loss, or a negative change in condition or reputation. It often describes actions, events, or information that weaken something’s quality, value, or stability. It can refer to physical harm, but it is also common for relationships, trust, or public image.
Examples
- The report made a damaging connection between the company and the scandal.
- I realized too late that my sarcastic comment was damaging to our working relationship.
- She avoided repeating the rumor because it felt damaging, even if it might be true.
- They issued a public apology after the damaging footage spread widely online.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "damaging" with "damaged": "damaging" describes what causes harm, while "damaged" describes something that has already been harmed.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
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- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.