detriment
Detriment (noun) means Harm or damage, especially as a drawback or cost of something else. Example: “He worked long hours, to the detriment of his health.”
How to use detriment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHarm caused to one thing as a side effect of favoring another.
Word forms
detrimented past tense, detriments plural, detriments singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He worked long hours, to the _____ of his health.
Etymology
From Old French detriement, from Latin detrimentum ("loss, damage" — literally "a rubbing away"), from deterere ("to wear down").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for 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.