What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deleterious
Example
Smoking is a deleterious habit that can lead to serious health problems. [deleterious: adjective]
Example
The deleterious effects of pollution on the environment are becoming increasingly evident. [deleterious: adjective]
damaging
Example
The storm caused damaging winds that uprooted trees and damaged buildings. [damaging: adjective]
Example
Gossiping about others can be damaging to their reputation and relationships. [damaging: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Damaging is more commonly used than deleterious in everyday language. Damaging is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while deleterious is less common and more specialized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deleterious and damaging?
Deleterious is more formal than damaging, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
