harmful

adjective

UK /ˈhɑːmfʊl/

US /ˈhɑːrmfəl/

Something that is harmful can hurt you or make things bad.

Too much sugar is harmful to your teeth.

SYNONYMS

dangerous damaging bad hurtful unsafe

RELATED WORDS

harm injury risk toxic health

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Causing damage to the environment or nature.

Plastic waste is harmful to ocean animals.

3. Having a bad effect on someone's feelings or mind.

Mean words can be harmful to a person's confidence.

4. Able to cause illness or injury to the body.

Smoking is harmful to your lungs.