C1adjectiveformalacademichealth
US/ˌdet.rəˈmen.təl/
UK/ˌdet.rɪˈmen.təl/
causing harm or damage
In context
Too much screen time can be detrimental to children's sleep and concentration.
Critics argue that constant testing has a detrimental effect on students' love of learning.
The cuts proved detrimental, as class sizes rose and results fell.
Words that go with detrimental
adjective + preposition
- detrimental toLong working hours are detrimental to mental health.
adjective + noun
- detrimental effectNoise has a detrimental effect on concentration.
- detrimental impactThe closures had a detrimental impact on rural pupils.
adverb + adjective
- potentially detrimentalThe plan is potentially detrimental to the poorest students.
- highly detrimentalSuch a policy would be highly detrimental to research.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Fast food is detrimental for your health.Correct: Fast food is detrimental to your health.