ENGLISH
REFERENCE

damage

n. uncountable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈdæmədʒ// UK //dˈæmɪdʒ// dam·age Archaic General-service Slang

n. physical harm caused to something so that it is broken or less useful. You can also use it in a fun way to ask for the price of something.

n. physical harm that impairs the value, usefulness, or normal function of an object or person. In informal contexts, it can refer to the financial cost or total bill for a service.


SIMPLE

The storm caused a lot of damage to the roof.

CONTEXTUAL

The insurance company sent an inspector to assess the structural damage caused by the recent flooding.

COMPLEX

While the physical damage to the vehicle was superficial, the mechanical impact rendered the engine completely inoperable, leading to a total loss for the owner.

Synonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to physical harm; the plural form 'damages' is used specifically in legal contexts to mean money paid as compensation.

Pitfall

The storm caused many damages.The storm caused a lot of damage.Damage is uncountable when referring to physical harm; the plural 'damages' is a specific legal term for financial compensation.

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