Word
toxic
Meanings
Poisonous or containing substances that can cause illness or death.
Very harmful to the environment or living things, often due to pollution or chemicals.
Emotionally damaging; creating a hostile, stressful, or unhealthy social situation.
Definition
Toxic means poisonous or very harmful.
Toxic describes something that can poison or seriously harm people, animals, or the environment. It can refer to substances like chemicals or gases, or to situations and relationships that are damaging in a non-physical way. In everyday English, it often describes behavior or communication that creates stress, fear, or conflict.
Examples
- The cleaner gave off a toxic smell, so I opened the windows immediately.
- You should avoid mixing those products because the gas can become toxic.
- He left the group chat when the conversation turned toxic every day.
- Their team culture became toxic after constant blaming and public criticism.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use toxic for mild dislike (e.g., 'toxic food' meaning 'tastes bad') instead of for something genuinely harmful or damaging.
More at B2 level
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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.