deleterious

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˌdɛlɪˈtɪəri.əs/ or /ˌdɪlɪˈtɪəri.əs/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˌdɛləˈtɪri.əs/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Adjective

Positive deleterious

Comparative more deleterious

Superlative most deleterious

1. When something is deleterious, it is harmful; it hurts something; it causes damage.
   • Synonym: pernicious

   She thought quitting school would be a good idea, but it had a deleterious effect on her future.

   His doctor tried to tell him that smoking so much was deleterious to his health, but he would not listen.

   The government's program for "helping" students learn better has been deleterious to both students and teachers.