What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
damaging
Example
The hurricane caused damaging winds and flooding. [damaging: adjective]
Example
His behavior towards his colleagues was damaging to their working relationship. [damaging: adjective]
Example
Smoking is damaging to your health. [damaging: gerund or present participle]
detrimental
Example
The new policy had a detrimental effect on small businesses. [detrimental: adjective]
Example
The oil spill was detrimental to the local ecosystem. [detrimental: adjective]
Example
The lack of funding for education is detrimental to the future of our society. [detrimental: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Damaging is more commonly used in everyday language, while detrimental is more formal and often used in academic or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between damaging and detrimental?
Detrimental is more formal in usage than damaging, and is often used in academic or professional contexts.
