# damage

/ˈdæmədʒ/ (US) · /dˈæmɪdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/damage
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. harm or injury

noun · CEFR B1

physical harm caused to something, which makes it less attractive, useful, or valuable.

For teachers: physical or abstract harm that impairs the value, usefulness, or normal function of an object or person.

- 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.

### 2. the cost

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Humorous

the price or cost of something, like a meal or a bill.

For teachers: the total cost or expense incurred, typically for a service or purchase.

- 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.

### 3. to harm something

verb · CEFR B1

to break or spoil something so that it does not work well or look good.

For teachers: to inflict physical or abstract harm upon an object, reputation, or system.

- 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.

## Examples

- The storm caused a lot of damage to the roof.
- The insurance company sent an inspector to assess the structural damage caused by the recent flooding.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.