Looking for synonyms for harmful? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say harmful.
- Damaging
- Detrimental
- Injurious
- Destructive
- Noxious
- Adverse
- Deleterious
- Toxic
- Poisonous
- Dangerous
- Hurtful
- Pernicious
- Baneful
- Harmful
- Unhealthy
Want to learn how to say harmful professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Damaging
Appropriate Use: Refers to causing physical or reputational damage.
Example: “The damaging effects of the data breach were extensive for the company.”
2. Detrimental
Appropriate Use: Indicates something that causes harm or damage.
Example: “Working long hours without breaks is detrimental to employee health.”
3. Injurious
Appropriate Use: Describes causing or likely to cause damage or harm.
Example: “Injurious chemicals were found in the manufacturing plant, leading to a shutdown.”
4. Destructive
Appropriate Use: Indicates causing great and irreparable harm or damage.
Example: “The CEO’s destructive leadership style led to high employee turnover.”
5. Noxious
Appropriate Use: Describes something harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.
Example: “Exposure to noxious fumes in the factory poses a risk to workers.”
6. Adverse
Appropriate Use: Refers to preventing success or development; harmful or unfavorable.
Example: “Adverse market conditions impacted the company’s growth projections.”
7. Deleterious
Appropriate Use: Indicates causing harm or damage.
Example: “Deleterious effects of poor management were evident in the team’s performance.”
8. Toxic
Appropriate Use: Refers to something poisonous or harmful in a more broad sense.
Example: “The toxic work environment led to several complaints to HR.”
9. Poisonous
Appropriate Use: Indicates having a harmful effect; especially, harmful to living things.
Example: “Poisonous relationships within the team hindered collaboration.”
10. Dangerous
Appropriate Use: Refers to the possibility of harm or injury.
Example: “The dangerous electrical fault in the building necessitated immediate evacuation.”
11. Hurtful
Appropriate Use: Describes causing emotional pain or distress.
Example: “The manager’s hurtful comments affected the employee’s morale.”
12. Pernicious
Appropriate Use: Indicates having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
Example: “The pernicious spread of misinformation threatened the project’s integrity.”
13. Baneful
Appropriate Use: Describes something that causes destruction or serious harm.
Example: “The baneful influence of outdated technology hindered the company’s progress.”
14. Harmful
Appropriate Use: A general term for something that causes damage or harm.
Example: “Harmful business practices were ultimately leading to a loss of customer trust.”
15. Unhealthy
Appropriate Use: Indicates something detrimental to health or well-being.
Example: “The unhealthy work-life balance in the company led to increased employee burnout.”
