harmless

1 of 2

adjective

harm·​less ˈhärm-ləs 

1

: free from harm, liability, or loss

2

: lacking capacity or intent to injure : innocuous

a harmless joke

harmlessly adverb

harmlessness noun

harmlessness

2 of 2

noun

harm·​less·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being harmless

Synonyms of harmless

Adjective

• benign
• safe
• innocent
• innocuous
• inoffensive
• healthy

Examples of harmless in a Sentence

Adjective

His ideas seem harmless enough.

We're just having a bit of harmless fun.

It was just a harmless joke.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

These are harmless plant relatives consisting of an algae and fungus growing together. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

By contrast, another participant recalled disagreeing with a friend who believed drinking soda and eating fast food was harmless, a belief the participant considered factually wrong. — Andras Molnar, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026

Dobrindt also pointed to the possibility of exchanging explosives for harmless substances. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Some seemingly harmless items, like cordless curling irons and bowling balls, are banned from either carry-on or checked luggage. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

harmless

adjective

harm·​less ˈhärm-ləs 

1

: free from harm

2

: unable to harm

harmlessly adverb

harmlessness noun

Legal Definition

harmless

adjective

harm·​less

1

: free from harm, liability, or loss

—often used in the phrase to hold harmless see also hold harmless

2

: lacking capacity or intent to injure

harmlessly adverb

harmlessness noun