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adjective

prejudicial

prehd-zhuu-DIHSHL

Prejudicial (adjective) means Likely to cause harm or unfair disadvantage, especially in a legal or formal context. Example: “The judge ruled the photo too prejudicial to show the jury.”

adjective
1
Likely to cause harm or unfair disadvantage, especially in a legal or formal context.
"The judge ruled the photo too prejudicial to show the jury."
"Leaking the report could be prejudicial to the ongoing investigation."

How to use prejudicial

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that unfairly harms a person's case or reputation, often used in courtroom or formal contexts.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "prejudiced" (having biased opinions) — prejudicial describes something that causes harm or unfair disadvantage, not a person's attitude.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
prejudicial evidence unduly prejudicial

Word forms

more prejudicial comparative, most prejudicial superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The judge ruled the photo too _____ to show the jury.

Etymology

From Old French prejudicial and Medieval Latin praeiudicialis, ultimately from the same Latin root as prejudice.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Related words

Rhymes for prejudicial

See all rhymes for prejudicial →

Frequently asked questions

What does “prejudicial” mean?

The word “prejudicial” means likely to cause harm or unfair disadvantage, especially in a legal or formal context. In plain terms, something that unfairly harms a person's case or reputation, often used in courtroom or formal contexts.

How do you pronounce “prejudicial”?

“Prejudicial” is pronounced prehd-zhuu-DIHSHL (/ˌprɛdʒʊˈdɪʃl/ in IPA).

How do you use “prejudicial” in a sentence?

Here is “prejudicial” used in a sentence: “The judge ruled the photo too prejudicial to show the jury.”

What part of speech is “prejudicial”?

“Prejudicial” is an adjective.

Where does the word “prejudicial” come from?

The word “prejudicial” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French prejudicial and Medieval Latin praeiudicialis, ultimately from the same Latin root as prejudice.

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