Definitions
01harm or injury
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. physical harm caused to something, which makes it less attractive, useful, or valuable.
n. physical or abstract harm that impairs the value, usefulness, or normal function of an object or person.
日本語:損傷※
“The heavy rain caused serious damage to the roof of the old house.”
“The structural damage to the bridge was more extensive than the engineers had initially predicted after the flood waters receded.”
Usage
Usually uncountable when referring to physical harm.
Pitfall
The storm caused many damages to the roof.
The storm caused much damage to the roof.
In general usage, 'damage' is uncountable. Use 'damages' only in a legal context when referring to money paid as compensation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02the cost
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Informal · Humorous
n. the price or cost of something, like a meal or a bill.
n. the total cost or expense incurred, typically for a service or purchase.
Español:daño
“That was a great dinner; now, what is the damage for the bill?”
“After the group had finished their expensive round of drinks, the host jokingly asked the waiter for the total damage.”
Teaching tip
This sense is used to make light of a high price; it is best avoided in professional or serious financial discussions.
03to harm something
B1 · Intermediate
v. to break or spoil something so that it does not work well or look good.
v. to inflict physical or abstract harm upon an object, reputation, or system.
日本語:壊す※
“Be careful not to damage the screen when you clean your laptop.”
“The scandal threatened to permanently damage the politician's reputation just weeks before the national election.”
Usage
Transitive verb; always requires a direct object.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “damage” in context.
Adjective
01. considerable damage
“The storm caused considerable damage to the roof of the house.”
adj + noun
02. long-term damage
“Smoking can cause long-term damage to your lungs and overall health.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“The headquarters of the Phoenix Police Department downtown is closed due to a "major water leak" that damaged several floors of the building.” “A building damaged by Israeli strikes collapsed suddenly in Gaza City early Wednesday, killing at least 21 people in their sleep, including 11 children, in a disaster that forced rescuers to dig through the rubble with bare hands.” “The palace was damaged by debris and shock waves from the strike, it said.” “At least 11 Baltic cables have been damaged in 15 months, prompting NATO to up its guard.” Etymology
From Middle English damage, from Old French damage, from Vulgar Latin *damnāticum from Classical Latin damnum. Compare modern French dommage. Largely displaced native Middle English scath (whence unscathed). Cognate with Spanish daño.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/damage
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「日本語」「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0