Word
damages
Phoneticsdam·ages
US/ˈdæmədʒəz/
UK/dˈæmɪdʒɪz/
Definition
n. money that a court orders someone to pay because they caused harm, loss, or injury to another person.
n. financial compensation awarded by a court to a claimant for loss or injury caused by a breach of duty or contract.
Examples
“The judge ordered the company to pay damages.”
“The court awarded the plaintiff substantial damages to cover medical expenses and lost wages after the accident.”
“Legal counsel argued that punitive damages were necessary to deter the corporation from future negligence, rather than merely compensating the victim for their immediate financial losses.”
Examples
simple
“The judge ordered the company to pay damages.”
contextual
“The court awarded the plaintiff substantial damages to cover medical expenses and lost wages after the accident.”
complex
“Legal counsel argued that punitive damages were necessary to deter the corporation from future negligence, rather than merely compensating the victim for their immediate financial losses.”
Usage
Always used in the plural form when referring to legal compensation.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse the uncountable noun 'damage' (harm) with the plural noun 'damages' (money). Stress that 'damages' is a technical legal term.
Pitfall
The storm caused many damages to the roof.
The storm caused a lot of damage to the roof.
Use 'damage' (uncountable) for physical harm. Use 'damages' (plural) only for the money paid as compensation in a legal context.
Real-World Examples
“The lawsuit will try to recover $1.2m (£890,00) it claims it was invested as well as costs and damages.” “The lawsuit seeks to recover around $1.2m (£890,000) it claims was invested as well as costs and damages.” “We will now take time to reflect on the findings in detail.”
Damages in the case are due to be decided at a further hearing in January.” “He wants damages “without limitation” to cover his physical well-being, emotional state, reputation, “past and future economic losses,” and damage to career prospects.”