What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
damaging
Example
The storm caused damaging winds that uprooted trees and damaged homes. [damaging: adjective]
Example
His careless remarks were damaging to his professional reputation. [damaging: gerund or present participle]
harmful
Example
Smoking is harmful to your health and can cause lung cancer. [harmful: adjective]
Example
The use of pesticides is harmful to the environment and can affect wildlife populations. [harmful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harmful is more commonly used than damaging in everyday language, especially in medical, scientific, or environmental contexts. Damaging is more commonly used in business, finance, or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between damaging and harmful?
Harmful is generally considered more formal than damaging, but both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation and audience.
