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Diving into dangers: "damaging" vs. "harmful"

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 29/09/2024, 23:01
English.me team member
Damaging and harmful. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both words describe something that causes negative effects or injury to someone or something.

What is different?

Damaging implies actual or potential physical harm, whereas harmful is broader, often implying long-term negative effects which may not be immediately apparent.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for damaging) and harmful

Examples of usage

Damaging
  • The storm was very damaging to the crops.
  • Her damaging remarks ruined his reputation.
Harmful
  • Smoking is harmful to your health.
  • The chemicals in the river are harmful to fish.

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