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REFERENCE

harmless

adj.
US //ˈhɑɹmɫəs// UK //hˈɑːmləs// harm·less
  1. 1 safe (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    not able to cause any physical hurt or damage.

    incapable of causing physical injury, damage, or danger.

    Example

    Don't worry about that spider; it is completely harmless to humans.

    Example

    The chemical was initially thought to be harmless, but subsequent environmental studies revealed its long-term impact on local water supplies.
  2. 2 inoffensive (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    not meant to upset or annoy anyone.

    not intended to cause offence, distress, or ill will.

    Example

    It was just a harmless joke, but he still felt a bit embarrassed.

    Example

    What began as a harmless remark during the meeting was unfortunately misinterpreted by the executive team as a critique of their strategy.
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  1. 3 unharmed (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    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.

    Example

    The knight returned from the great battle harmless and full of joy.

    Example

    In the old chronicles, the hero is described as emerging harmless from the dragon's den, protected by a magical charm.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, 'harmless' always means 'not causing harm'. Using it to mean 'not receiving harm' is archaic; use 'unharmed' or 'safe' instead.
Origin

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”).

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