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 lung cancer. [deleterious: adjective]
Example
The oil spill had a deleterious impact on the local ecosystem. [deleterious: adjective]
harmful
Example
Exposure to radiation can be harmful to human health. [harmful: adjective]
Example
Eating too much junk food can be harmful to your body. [harmful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harmful is more commonly used than deleterious in everyday language. Harmful is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while deleterious is less common and is often used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deleterious and harmful?
Deleterious is more formal than harmful and is often used in academic or technical writing. Harmful is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
