Detriment — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈde-trə-mənt/ det·ri·ment

Meaning & Definition of Detriment

Detriment (noun)

  1. injury, damage
  2. a cause of injury or damage

Detriment (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that causes loss or pain

    "opponents of casino gambling claim that it is a detriment to society at large"

    similar: affliction, damage, harm, hurt, injury
    related: disservice, injustice, outrage, wrong, affront, dart, indignity, insult, offense, beating, crippling, mayhem, mutilation, defacement, disability, disablement, disfigurement, impairment, lesion, rupture, strain, abrasion, chafe, scrape, scratch, boo-boo, bruise, contusion, swelling, wound, bump, concussion, cut, gash, laceration, burn, scald, scar, scathe, sear
    near: healing, recovery, cure, fix, remedy

  2. the negative result caused by something that creates difficulty for achieving success

    "the requirement that runners wear shoes for the race worked to his detriment since he was used to running barefoot"

    similar: despite, disadvantage, disfavor, penalty
    related: deficit, deprivation, expense, loss, damage, harm, hurt, injury, prejudice
    opposite: advantage, favor
    near: gain

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Detriment

The most common words with a similar meaning to Detriment:

affliction, damage, harm, hurt, injury, despite, disadvantage, disfavor, penalty

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Detriment

Words with the opposite meaning of Detriment:

advantage, favor

Related Words for Detriment

disservice, injustice, outrage, wrong, affront, dart, indignity, insult, offense, beating, crippling, mayhem, mutilation, defacement, disability, disablement, disfigurement, impairment, lesion, rupture, strain, abrasion, chafe, scrape, scratch, boo-boo, bruise, contusion, swelling, wound

Near Antonyms of Detriment

healing, recovery, cure, fix, remedy, gain

Origin & Etymology of Detriment

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin dētrīmentum "reduction in quantity, diminishment, harm, damage," from dētrī-, variant stem of dēterere "to wear away, rub off, lessen, impair" + -mentum -ment detritus

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Detriment

to one's detriment, to the detriment of, without detriment to

Frequently Asked Questions about Detriment

What does "Detriment" mean?

"Detriment" means injury, damage. As a noun, it is defined as: injury, damage. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Detriment"?

Other words for "Detriment" include affliction, damage, harm, hurt, injury, despite, disadvantage and disfavor. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Detriment" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Detriment"?

There are 54 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Detriment". Common alternatives include affliction, damage, harm, hurt, injury, despite, disadvantage, disfavor and penalty.

What is the opposite of "Detriment"?

Antonyms of "Detriment" include advantage and favor. Near antonyms include healing, recovery, cure and fix.

How do you use "Detriment" in a sentence?

Examples of "Detriment" in a sentence: "opponents of casino gambling claim that it is a detriment to society at large"; "the requirement that runners wear shoes for the race worked to his detriment since he was used to running barefoot".

Is "Detriment" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Detriment" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Detriment"?

"Detriment" is pronounced /ˈde-trə-mənt/ and divided into syllables as det·ri·ment.

What is the origin of the word "Detriment"?

"Detriment" comes from Middle English, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin dētrīmentum "reduction in quantity, diminishment, harm, damage," from dētrī-, variant stem of dēterere "to wear away, rub off, lessen, impair" + -mentum -ment detritus. First known use: 15th century.