B1noun1K

Damage

UK /["/ˈdæmɪdʒ/"]/US /["/ˈdæmɪdʒ/"]/

Definition

physical harm caused to something which makes it less attractive, useful or valuable

In simple words: Harm or hurt something.

Examples

  • The storm caused significant damage to the roof.
  • He suffered damage to his reputation after the scandal.
  • The car sustained damage in the accident.
  • We must assess the damage before making repairs.
  • The damage from the earthquake will take years to repair.

Usage notes

Use 'damage' when talking about physical harm or loss. It can be used in both written and spoken contexts. Avoid using it in very casual situations; instead, use 'hurt' or 'harm' for simpler contexts.

Grammar pattern

damage + object

Memory hint

Think of 'damaged' and a car crash, a visual that illustrates both harm and loss.

Collocations

  • considerable
  • enormous
  • great
  • cause
  • do
  • inflict
  • occur
  • result
  • assessment
  • report
  • control
  • damage by
  • damage from
  • damage to
  • the cost of the damage
  • the damage is done
  • the extent of the damage
  • considerable
  • enormous
  • great
  • cause
  • do
  • inflict
  • occur
  • result
  • assessment
  • report
  • control
  • damage by
  • damage from
  • damage to
  • the cost of the damage
  • the damage is done
  • the extent of the damage
  • civil
  • substantial
  • punitive
  • incur
  • suffer
  • claim
  • action
  • claim
  • award
  • in damage
  • damage for
  • damage of
  • an action for damages
  • a claim for damages

Synonyms

  • harm
  • injure
  • destroy
  • impair
  • hurt

Antonyms

  • repair
  • restore
  • fix

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'damage' with 'damages', which refers to monetary compensation.
  • Using 'damaged' incorrectly as a noun.
  • Mixing up 'damage' (noun) with 'damaging' (verb form).