damaging

adjective

dam·​ag·​ing ˈda-mi-jiŋ 

: causing or able to cause damage : injurious

has a damaging effect on wildlife

damagingly

ˈda-mi-jiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of damaging

• harmful
• detrimental
• dangerous
• adverse

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

Coming out of the blocks quickly again is crucial, because an immediate exit from Europe could have damaging repercussions for the rest of the season. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

More damaging, employees gradually learn that raising concerns means navigating the leader's emotional reaction before addressing the actual issue. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

In his latest book, A Sudden Flicker of Light, Thomson proposes that cinema has in fact been a damaging cultural force. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 13 Aug. 2026

Hawaii is bracing for a potential hurricane strike this weekend after Tropical Storm Lala’s forecast track shifted north, bringing the strengthening storm - and its heavy rain, damaging winds and dangerous surf - close to the Big Island. — Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above