- Deleterious
- Today's Word
Deleterious
Deleterious
del-uh-TEER-ee-uhsDefinition
(adjective) Causing harm or damage, often in a subtle or unexpected way.Example
Prolonged exposure to stress can have deleterious effects on your health.Word Origin
Mid 17th century: from medieval Latin deleterius, from Greek dēlētērios ‘noxious’, from dēlētērios (related to destroy or *to hurt’).
Fun FactDeleterious is often used when something appears harmless but turns out to be damaging—like sugary drinks, misinformation, or prolonged noise. It’s not the loud crash—it’s the slow rot. You’ll find it in medical journals, legal decisions, and HR handbooks. It’s a favorite when talking about effects that are subtle, cumulative, and serious—without sounding dramatic.
Today's Popular Words
Deleterious
- Today's Word
Deleterious
del-uh-TEER-ee-uhs
Definition
(adjective) Causing harm or damage, often in a subtle or unexpected way.
Example
Prolonged exposure to stress can have deleterious effects on your health.
Word Origin
Mid 17th century: from medieval Latin deleterius, from Greek dēlētērios ‘noxious’, from dēlētērios (related to destroy or *to hurt’).
Fun Fact
Deleterious is often used when something appears harmless but turns out to be damaging—like sugary drinks, misinformation, or prolonged noise. It’s not the loud crash—it’s the slow rot. You’ll find it in medical journals, legal decisions, and HR handbooks. It’s a favorite when talking about effects that are subtle, cumulative, and serious—without sounding dramatic.
Top 12 Benefits of Learning New Words
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