detriment
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for detriment, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Harm or damage, especially as a drawback or cost of something else.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use detriment
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French detriement, from Latin detrimentum ("loss, damage" — literally "a rubbing away"), from deterere ("to wear down").
Full origin of detriment →Frequently asked questions
What does “detriment” mean?
The word “detriment” means harm or damage, especially as a drawback or cost of something else. In plain terms, harm caused to one thing as a side effect of favoring another.
How do you pronounce “detriment”?
“Detriment” is pronounced DEHT-rih-muhnt (/ˈdɛtɹɪmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “detriment” in a sentence?
Here is “detriment” used in a sentence: “He worked long hours, to the detriment of his health.”
What is another word for “detriment”?
Words with a similar meaning to “detriment” include harm, hurt, illfare, damage, expense and disadvantage.
What is the opposite of “detriment”?
The opposite of “detriment” — its antonyms — is benefit.
What part of speech is “detriment”?
“Detriment” is a noun.
Where does the word “detriment” come from?
The word “detriment” comes from Latin. From Old French detriement, from Latin detrimentum ("loss, damage" — literally "a rubbing away"), from deterere ("to wear down").
Is “detriment” a common word?
“Detriment” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.