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"Harmful" vs. "pernicious": subtle shades of danger
Reviewed and edited by 
Lloyd Cooper 03/01/2025, 13:36
Lloyd Cooper 03/01/2025, 13:36English.me team member
What is similar?
Both "harmful" and "pernicious" are adjectives that describe something causing damage, injury, or negative effects.
What is different?
"Harmful" refers to something that causes harm or damage in a general sense, while "pernicious" implies a more insidious, subtle, or gradual harm that is not immediately obvious and can be destructive over time.
Which one is more common?
Examples of usage
Harmful- Smoking is harmful to your health.
- The chemicals in the plastic can be harmful if ingested.
- Excessive screen time can be harmful to children's development.
- The pernicious effects of social inequality can be seen in health disparities.
- She warned about the pernicious influence of fake news on public opinion.
- Corruption has a pernicious impact on the economy.
Difference
