B2adjective 2K

Harmful

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈhɑːmfl/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈhɑːrmfl/"]/

Meaning of Harmful

causing damage or injury to somebody/something, especially to a person’s health or to the environment

In simple words: something that can hurt or cause damage

Harmful in a sentence

• The chemicals in that product are potentially harmful to your health.
• Exposure to harmful radiation can lead to serious health issues.
• Eating too much sugar can be harmful to your teeth and overall health.
• Certain species can be harmful to local ecosystems if introduced.
• The harmful effects of smoking are widely documented.

How to use Harmful

Use 'harmful' when discussing things that can negatively affect health or well-being. It's suitable in both written and spoken contexts, such as warnings or discussions about products.

Grammar pattern

harmful + object

Memory hint

Think of 'harm' + 'ful' — something that is full of harm.

Related words

Collocations with Harmful

• be
• prove
• become
• extremely
• very
• particularly
• to

Synonyms for Harmful

• detrimental
• injurious
• noxious
• dangerous
• destructive

Opposites of Harmful

• beneficial
• harmless

Common mistakes with Harmful

• Used incorrectly with non-physical subjects (e.g., saying 'harmful idea')
• Confused with 'harmless'
• Omitted 'to' in phrases like 'harmful to health'

Frequently asked questions about Harmful

What does Harmful mean?

something that can hurt or cause damage

What is the definition of Harmful?

causing damage or injury to somebody/something, especially to a person’s health or to the environment

How do you use Harmful in a sentence?

The chemicals in that product are potentially harmful to your health.

Can you give another example of Harmful?

Exposure to harmful radiation can lead to serious health issues.

What are synonyms for Harmful?

Common alternatives include detrimental, injurious, noxious, dangerous, destructive.

What is the opposite of Harmful?

Opposite meanings include beneficial, harmless.

What words go with Harmful?

It commonly pairs with be, prove, become, extremely, very, particularly, to.

What are common mistakes when using Harmful?

Used incorrectly with non-physical subjects (e.g., saying 'harmful idea') Confused with 'harmless' Omitted 'to' in phrases like 'harmful to health'

How do you pronounce Harmful?

US: /["/ˈhɑːrmfl/"]/, UK: /["/ˈhɑːmfl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Harmful?

Use 'harmful' when discussing things that can negatively affect health or well-being. It's suitable in both written and spoken contexts, such as warnings or discussions about products.

What CEFR level is Harmful?

"Harmful" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.