a detriment

USAGE SUMMARY

"a detriment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that causes a disadvantage, especially in terms of progress or development. For example, "Not having the right supplies was a detriment to the team's success in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Roethlisberger deploys the pump fake so often it sometimes seems like a detriment.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is a detriment".

The New York Times

What a detriment!

The New Yorker

This isn't a detriment.

The Guardian

"It's a detriment to democracy".

The New York Times

His stubbornness was no longer a detriment.

The New York Times - Sports

Their reliability is nearly becoming a detriment.

The New York Times - Arts

I didn't want to be a detriment.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a detriment to them in the long run".

The New York Times

It would be a detriment to our schools.

The New York Times

"And it's a detriment to all of our institutions".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a detriment" when referring to something that actively hinders progress or causes harm, rather than simply being neutral or ineffective.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a detriment" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "a problem" or "a drawback" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a detriment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that causes harm, damage, or disadvantage. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase negatively impacts a situation or entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a detriment" is a noun phrase used to describe something that causes harm or disadvantage. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business writing. While versatile, it's important to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. When using "a detriment", ensure that the negative impact is clearly defined to provide context and clarity. Remember that while "a detriment" highlights the negative effect, related phrases like "an obstacle" simply denote a hindrance without necessarily implying harm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disadvantage

Replaces "detriment" with a more general term for something causing difficulty.

a handicap

Suggests something that hinders progress or success.

an impediment

Indicates an obstacle that delays or prevents progress.

a drawback

Highlights a negative aspect or limitation.

an obstacle

Indicates something that blocks progress or achievement.

a liability

Emphasizes the burden or responsibility caused by something.

a weakness

Focuses on a deficiency or vulnerability.

a flaw

Points out an imperfection or defect.

a blight

Implies a destructive or damaging influence.

a snag

Suggests an unexpected obstacle or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "a detriment" in a sentence?

Use "a detriment" to describe something that causes harm, damage, or disadvantage. For instance, "The lack of preparation was "a detriment" to the team's performance".

What are some alternatives to using "a detriment"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a disadvantage", "a drawback", or "an impediment".

Is it always appropriate to use "a detriment" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "a detriment" is more suitable for formal or professional writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler terms that convey the same meaning.

What is the difference between "a detriment" and "an obstacle"?

"A detriment" refers to something that causes harm or disadvantage, while "an obstacle" is simply something that blocks progress. A detriment has a negative impact, whereas an obstacle may just require effort to overcome.