Definition

The quality or state of not causing harm or injury.

Example

The harmlessness of the new product was confirmed by safety tests.

Conversation

I read an article about the harmlessness of certain insects.

Really? I always thought they were pests!

It turns out, many are actually beneficial and completely harmless to us.

That’s interesting! I need to learn more about them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Harmlessness → It is formed from "harm" (from Old English *hearm*, meaning injury or damage) and "-less" (meaning without) and "-ness" (meaning the state of being). The word "harmlessness" means the state of being without harm or injury.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'without' ('-less') 'injury' ('harm') — that's why harmlessness means the state of being free from harm.

Visually Confused Words