detriment

[ de-truh-muhnt ]

noun

1. loss, damage, disadvantage, or injury.
2. a cause of loss or damage.

detriment

/ ˈdɛtrɪmənt /

noun

1. disadvantage or damage; harm; loss
2. a cause of disadvantage or damage

Word History and Origins

Origin of detriment¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English from Middle French, from Latin dētrīmentum “loss, damage,” from dētrī- ( detritus ) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of detriment¹

C15: from Latin dētrīmentum, a rubbing off, hence damage, from dēterere to rub away, from de- + terere to rub

Synonym Study

See damage.

Example Sentences

The end result could also be that specific companies or categories are affected, but not necessarily to the detriment of most U.S. consumers.

From Salon

But I’ve also changed because I have always been a people pleaser, I think to my detriment in many cases.

From Los Angeles Times

But this view of the world is to their detriment.

From Salon

Unless MLB implements a hard salary cap — and also a salary floor, to force teams like the Pirates and A’s to spend more on payroll — baseball’s financial caste system will continue, to the sport’s detriment.

From Los Angeles Times

It also redefines harassment as “a landlord’s bad faith conduct” directed at tenants that causes them detriment or harm.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disadvantage