damaging

adjective

dam·​ag·​ing ˈda-mi-jiŋ How to pronounce damaging (audio)
Synonyms of damagingnext
: causing or able to cause damage : injurious
has a damaging effect on wildlife
damagingly adverb

Examples of damaging in a Sentence

the damaging effects of the sun on your skin The storm may produce damaging winds. He says he has damaging information about the candidate. The evidence was very damaging to their case.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
More damaging photos and other evidence of Andrew’s alleged involvement are expected to be released soon. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025 Behrens cited data from Europe indicating that about 82% of food subsidies support products that are among the most damaging to both health and the environment, including meat and dairy. Royson Valliyil, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2025 An international team of researchers has found a way to extend the lifespan of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries by suppressing a damaging structural failure in nickel-rich (Ni-rich) cathodes known as c-collapse. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025 As the past and present collide, the Van Laars’ wealth and influence unravel, revealing the damaging consequences of privilege and the abuse of power. Katie Campione, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for damaging

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of damaging was circa 1828

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Cite this Entry

“Damaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/damaging. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

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