harmless
- 01 A2 Elementary
not able to cause any physical hurt or damage.
incapable of causing physical injury, damage, or danger.
Simple“Don't worry about that spider; it is completely harmless to humans.”
In context“The chemical was initially thought to be harmless, but subsequent environmental studies revealed its long-term impact on local water supplies.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
not meant to upset or annoy anyone.
not intended to cause offence, distress, or ill will.
Simple“It was just a harmless joke, but he still felt a bit embarrassed.”
In context“What began as a harmless remark during the meeting was unfortunately misinterpreted by the executive team as a critique of their strategy.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
not hurt after a dangerous event.
remaining in a state of safety or wholeness after a potential injury; now largely replaced by 'unharmed' in modern contexts.
Simple“The knight returned from the great battle harmless and full of joy.”
In context“In the old chronicles, the hero is described as emerging harmless from the dragon's den, protected by a magical charm.”
Teacher's tipIn modern English, 'harmless' always means 'not causing harm'. Using it to mean 'not receiving harm' is archaic; use 'unharmed' or 'safe' instead.
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.