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 court ordered the company to pay damages to the injured customer.”
noun
1
Money awarded by a court to compensate someone for a loss or injury they suffered.
"The court ordered the company to pay damages to the injured customer."
"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 notesIn 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 court ordered the company to pay _____ to the injured customer.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for damages
See all rhymes for damages →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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