Deleterious

/ˌdɛl.ɪˈtɪə̯.ɹi.əs/ · adjective

Meaning

(formal) Harmful, often in a subtle or unexpected way..

Definitions by Sense

1. (formal) Harmful, often in a subtle or unexpected way.
2. (genetics) Having lower fitness.

Example Sentences

deleterious effects

deleterious to someone's health

Or might it suffice him, that every wholesome growth should be converted into something deleterious and malignant at his touch?

A trolleybus service was established by the London Passenger Transport Board between North Woolwich and Stratford on February 6, 1938, and had a deleterious effect on railway passenger traffic.

The advent of the smartphone and its cousin the tablet was followed quickly by hand-wringing about the deleterious effects of “screen time.” But the impact of these devices has not been fully appreciated, and goes far beyond the usual concerns about curtailed attention spans.

A deleterious mutation

Synonyms for deleterious

Antonyms for deleterious

Related Words

Word Forms

• more deleterious
• most deleterious
• deletorious

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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