C1adjective2K

Damaging

UK /["/ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ/"]/

Definition

causing damage; having a bad effect on somebody/something

In simple words: causing harm or injury

Examples

**damaging consequences/effects**
Lead is potentially damaging to children's health.
Smoking is damaging to health.
These new measures will do nothing to raise school standards: they may be positively damaging.
A strike would hit public services and be politically damaging for the government.
This was one of the most damaging allegations made against him.

Usage notes

Use 'damaging' in both formal and informal contexts to describe harm to objects, people, or feelings. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

damaging + object

Memory hint

Think of 'damaging' as 'dam age' — imagine something getting older and breaking down.

Collocations

be
prove
become
extremely
fairly
very
to

Synonyms

harmful
injurious
destructive
hurtful
negative

Antonyms

beneficial
helpful
constructive

Common mistakes

Confusing 'damaging' with 'damage' as a noun.
Using 'damaging' without specifying the object it affects.
Overusing the word in contexts where 'hurtful' or 'harmful' may fit better.