Word
harmless
Phoneticsharm·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɑɹmɫəs/
UK/hˈɑːmləs/
Definitions
01safe
A2 · Elementary
adj. not able to cause any physical hurt or damage.
adj. incapable of causing physical injury, damage, or danger.
“Don't worry about that spider; it is completely harmless to humans.”
“The chemical was initially thought to be harmless, but subsequent environmental studies revealed its long-term impact on local water supplies.”
02inoffensive
B1 · Intermediate
adj. not meant to upset or annoy anyone.
adj. not intended to cause offence, distress, or ill will.
“It was just a harmless joke, but he still felt a bit embarrassed.”
“What began as a harmless remark during the meeting was unfortunately misinterpreted by the executive team as a critique of their strategy.”
Synonyms
03unharmed
C2 · Proficiency Archaic
adj. not hurt after a dangerous event.
adj. remaining in a state of safety or wholeness after a potential injury; now largely replaced by 'unharmed' in modern contexts.
“The knight returned from the great battle harmless and full of joy.”
“In the old chronicles, the hero is described as emerging harmless from the dragon's den, protected by a magical charm.”
Teaching tip
In modern English, 'harmless' always means 'not causing harm'. Using it to mean 'not receiving harm' is archaic; use 'unharmed' or 'safe' instead.
Etymology
From Middle English harmles, from Old English hearmlēas, from Proto-Germanic harmalausaz (“without harm; harmless”), equivalent to harm + -less. Cognate with German harmlos (“harmless”), Danish harmløs (“harlmess”), Swedish harmlös (“harmless”).
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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/harmless