deleterious
adjective | /deleterious/
harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way
deleterious
adjective | /deleterious/
Advanced WordsMEDIUMharmful often in a subtle or unexpected way
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Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
"Smoking has deleterious effects on long-term health."
"The policy had deleterious consequences for small businesses."
Mnemonic Trick
DELETE + RIOUS → imagine something that deletes/ruins health: harmful.
Etymology
From Greek dēlētērios “causing harm,” from dēlētai “to destroy.”
Used for subtle or lasting harm.
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