Definition

The quality or state of causing damage or injury.

Example

The harmfulness of pollution is a major concern for the environment.

Conversation

I read an article about the harmfulness of plastic waste yesterday.

That's interesting! I know it's a big problem for the environment.

Yeah, the article mentioned how it affects wildlife too.

Exactly, we really need to find better solutions to reduce that impact.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Harmfulness → It is formed from "harm" (from Old English "hearm", meaning damage or injury) and "-ful" (meaning full of) and "-ness" (meaning the state of). The word "harmfulness" means the state of being full of harm or causing damage.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'full of harm' — 'harm' means damage, '-ful' means full of, and '-ness' indicates a state. This helps you remember that harmfulness refers to the state of causing damage.

Visually Confused Words