Word
harmful
Phoneticsharm·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɑɹmfəɫ/
UK/hˈɑːmfəl/
Definition
adj. causing damage or injury to someone or something. You use this to describe things that are bad for your health, the environment, or your success.
adj. causing or capable of causing physical, emotional, or environmental damage. Often used to describe substances, behaviors, or influences that have a negative impact on a subject.
Examples
“Smoking is harmful to your health.”
“The factory was fined for releasing harmful chemicals into the local river system.”
“While some critics argue that the new policy is beneficial, others maintain that its long-term effects will be harmful to the country's economic stability.”
Examples
simple
“Smoking is harmful to your health.”
contextual
“The factory was fined for releasing harmful chemicals into the local river system.”
complex
“While some critics argue that the new policy is beneficial, others maintain that its long-term effects will be harmful to the country's economic stability.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “harmful” in context.
Adjective
01. harmful consequence
“The new law could have a harmful consequence for small businesses.”
adj + noun
02. harmful effect
“Scientists are studying the harmful effect of plastic on marine life.”
adj + noun
03. potentially harmful
“The lab is testing the water for potentially harmful chemicals.”
adv + adj
04. harmful content
05. harmful effects
06. harmful environmental
07. harmful online
Usage
Typically followed by the preposition 'to' when specifying the object being damaged.
Real-World Examples
“One study even found that many people wrongly believe that vaping and pouch use are as harmful or even more harmful than smoking .” “Salt contains sodium, which the body needs, but too much sodium can be harmful .” “Using these strategies, our team is working on understanding the role BNST plays in drinking alcohol despite the harmful consequences.” “Regular exercise may help the brain clear away harmful waste that can build up with age.” Etymology
From Middle English harmful, from Old English *hearmful (suggested by hearmfullīċ (“harmful; hurtful”)), equivalent to harm + -ful. Cognate with German harmvoll, Danish harmfuld, Swedish harmfull.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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