deleterious
What does "deleterious" mean?
The word "deleterious" describes something that is physically or mentally harmful, damaging, or destructive. Think of it as a more sophisticated, precise way to say "toxic" or "injurious"—it implies a slow, creeping effect that undermines the health or integrity of a person, an environment, or a plan. It is almost exclusively used in formal, academic, or professional writing rather than casual conversation. You might hear it in contexts like environmental science (e.g., "deleterious effects of pollution") or psychology (e.g., "deleterious impact of stress"). It conveys a sense of clinical observation and serious concern.
"deleterious" in conversation
Workplace health discussion
Do you think this new overtime policy is sustainable?
Do you think this new overtime policy is sustainable?
Honestly, I think it’s deleterious to our team’s long-term morale.
Honestly, I think it’s deleterious to our team’s long-term morale.
Used here to suggest a negative, undermining effect on morale.
Environmental impact report
The runoff from the factory is clearly damaging the local ecosystem.
The runoff from the factory is clearly damaging the local ecosystem.
Should I note that it has a deleterious effect on the water quality?
Should I note that it has a deleterious effect on the water quality?
Standard academic usage to denote damage to a system.
"deleterious" in a sentence
High levels of stress have a deleterious effect on your health.
High levels of stress have a deleterious effect on your health.
The deleterious impact of the economic crisis was felt by everyone in the country.
The deleterious impact of the economic crisis was felt by everyone in the country.
He argued that the deleterious consequences of the policy far outweighed any potential benefits.
He argued that the deleterious consequences of the policy far outweighed any potential benefits.
