What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unharmful
Example
The medication is unharmful and has no side effects. [unharmful: adjective]
Example
Playing video games in moderation is generally considered unharmful. [unharmful: adjective]
harmless
Example
The spider in the corner is harmless and won't bite you. [harmless: adjective]
Example
The prank was harmless and didn't cause any real damage. [harmless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harmless is more commonly used than unharmful in everyday language. Harmless is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while unharmful is less common and may sound awkward or unfamiliar in some situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unharmful and harmless?
Both unharmful and harmless are relatively informal and can be used in casual or formal contexts. However, harmless is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
