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

The monastic Wiesler eventually comes to believe Dreyman is harmless and in the process doubts the very foundations of autocracy itself. — David Faris, TheWeek, 27 July 2026

To protect harmless bugs, pets, and children, the drone analyzes the unique sonar signatures, such as wingbeat frequencies and harmonic structures. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026

Then Schwarber worked a six-pitch at-bat only to hit a harmless groundout. — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Once opened and exposed to air, harmless vinegar bacteria may indeed start to grow. — Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 25 July 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