Definition

The quality or state of causing harm or damage.

Example

The deleteriousness of pollution is a major concern for environmentalists.

Conversation

I read an article about the deleteriousness of smoking yesterday.

That sounds interesting! What did it say?

It explained how smoking can really harm your health over time.

Yeah, it's crazy how many people still do it despite knowing that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deleteriousness → It is formed from "deleterious" (from Greek "deleterios", meaning harmful or injurious) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "deleteriousness" refers to the quality of being harmful or injurious.

Memory Tip

Think of 'deleterious' meaning harmful, and '-ness' indicating a state. This helps you remember that 'deleteriousness' refers to the state of being harmful.

Visually Confused Words