What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
detriment
Example
The new policy will be to the detriment of small businesses. [detriment: noun]
Example
Eating too much junk food can be detrimental to your health. [detrimental: adjective]
damage
Example
The storm caused extensive damage to the building. [damage: noun]
Example
He accidentally damaged the vase while moving it. [damaged: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Damage is more commonly used than detriment in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between detriment and damage?
Both detriment and damage can be used in formal and informal contexts, but detriment may be considered more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.
