damaging

adjective

dam·​ag·​ing ˈda-mi-jiŋ How to pronounce damaging (audio)
: 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.
The storm brought damaging winds and a powerful surge of water over 6 feet high to the state's western coast, according to the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025 Andrew is a damaging distraction to the Royal Family's dignified role of service. Christina Dugan Ramirez , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025 Chemical insecticides will kill the damaging insects immediately. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025 This storm is capable of producing damaging winds and large hail. Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 13 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 2025.

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