Vocabulary Spotlight
Deleterious
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Causing harm or damage; injurious or detrimental to health or well-being.
“Prolonged exposure to loud noises can have deleterious effects on hearing.”
Pronunciation
[del-i-teer-ee-uhs]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Injurious
Damaging
Destructive
Adverse
Antonyms
Helpful
Advantageous
Constructive
Favorable
Related Words
Hazardous (adjective)
Toxic (adjective)
Word Origin
“Deleterious” originates from the Greek “dēlētērios,” meaning “destructive.” It entered English in the mid-17th century to describe harmful effects.
Word Family
Adjective: Detrimental – Causing harm or disadvantage.
Adjective: Hazardous – Risky or dangerous, often implying potential for harm.
Mnemonics
Think “deleterious” as “delete health” – it refers to something that can negatively affect health or well-being.
Industry-specific Usage
Environmental Science
In environmental science, deleterious refers to pollutants or chemicals that harm ecosystems.
Health
Deleterious effects are those that negatively impact health, such as smoking or high-stress levels.
Construction
In construction, deleterious materials are those that may weaken structures or pose health risks to workers.
In Context
“Deleterious” describes something harmful or damaging, often with serious effects on health, the environment, or materials. It is commonly used in scientific, medical, and environmental discussions to highlight risks.