noun Common

damages

DA-mihd-zhihz

Damages (noun) means Money awarded by a court to compensate someone for a loss or injury they suffered. Example: “The jury awarded the plaintiff $2 million in damages.”

noun

Money awarded by a court to compensate someone for a loss or injury they suffered.

"The jury awarded the plaintiff $2 million in damages."

"She sued for damages after the accident left her unable to work."

How to use damages

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCompensation money ordered by a court, not just the general idea of harm.

Common mistake

Only used in this legal, financial sense as a plural noun — "damage" (singular) is the harm itself.

Common pairings

sue for damages award damages punitive damages

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The jury awarded the plaintiff $2 million in _____.

Synonyms

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compensation reparations restitution indemnity recompense settlement

Related words

way taking town damage agreement village insurance camp

Rhymes for damages

wages ravages messages

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Frequently asked questions

What does “damages” mean?

The word “damages” means money awarded by a court to compensate someone for a loss or injury they suffered. In plain terms, compensation money ordered by a court, not just the general idea of harm.

How do you pronounce “damages”?

“Damages” is pronounced DA-mihd-zhihz (/ˈdæmɪd͡ʒɪz/ in IPA).

How do you use “damages” in a sentence?

Here is “damages” used in a sentence: “She sued for damages after the accident left her unable to work.”

What part of speech is “damages”?

“Damages” is a noun.

Is “damages” a common word?

“Damages” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between "damages" and "damage"?

"Damage" (singular, uncountable) refers to physical harm or destruction, as in "storm damage," while "damages" (plural) is a legal term for money a court awards to compensate someone for a loss or injury. You cannot substitute one for the other: a court awards "damages," not "damage."

What is the difference between "damages" and "compensation"?

"Compensation" is a broad term for money given to make up for a loss, which can come from many sources, while "damages" specifically refers to compensation awarded by a court. All damages are a form of compensation, but not all compensation is called damages.

When should you use the word "damages"?

Use "damages" in legal contexts to describe money a court orders one party to pay another for a loss or injury suffered. In everyday, non-legal writing about harm to objects, use the singular "damage" instead.

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