damaged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "damaged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been harmed, impaired, or made less valuable or functional. Example: "The package arrived damaged, and I need to file a claim for a replacement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When confronted by the gruesome reality of life for some of society's most vulnerable and damaged (not to mention violent and damaging) young people, there is a temptation to wring one's hands and say: "Well, what can you do?" In this case, the answer is clear and compelling.

The Guardian - Opinion

Based on the true story of the wrongful conviction of black boxer Rubin Carter, the film has been criticised for bending the facts, which may have damaged its chances, but its star, Denzel Washington, appears in the best actor category.

The Guardian - Film

The governor's work leading New Jersey through the recovery from the storm, which damaged more than 360,000 homes and businesses, helped cement his national reputation as a no-nonsense, hard-driving governor willing to work closely with Democrats to get things done.

The Guardian

It will obsess the British political class and reduce Britain's already damaged reputation in the EU to zero.

The Guardian

He told the Today programme: "I have to agree with a lot of what the home secretary said … A lot of the various scandals have damaged the image of policing … The federation needs to get on with the change agreed yesterday".

The Guardian

Although the control tower collapsed last week and the terminals and runways have been severely damaged by shelling, the airport holds great symbolic and strategic importance for both sides.

The Guardian

Asked if the "very public row" had damaged David Cameron's government and if he was considering his position in the light of Ofsted's findings, Gove responded: "No".

The Guardian

The destructive orgy that ensued left at least 91 Jews murdered, 30,000 arrested, and more than 7,000 Jewish businesses destroyed or damaged over the 9 and 10 of November 1938 in co-ordinated attacks against Jews in Germany and Austria.

The Guardian

Senior Palestinian officials believe the vote is a crucial test of whether there is a future for President Mahmoud Abbas's diplomatic strategy after his credibility was badly damaged among Palestinians by what they regard as the success of Hamas in the conflict with Israel this month.

The Guardian

Homes in the Catholic Short Strand district were attacked by a large loyalist crowd on Tuesday night with a 70-year-old woman's house among those damaged.

The Guardian

Of course, EastEnders had an opportunity with their storyline about cot death to get some good messages across, but they damaged that chance by creating a completely inappropriate and shockingly insensitive storyline.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the extent of damage, use precise language. For instance, specify if something is "slightly damaged" or "severely damaged" to provide a clearer picture.

Common error

Avoid using "damaged" as a one-size-fits-all term. Consider more specific words like "broken", "dented", or "corroded" to more accurately describe the type of damage.

Linguistic Context

The word "damaged" primarily functions as the past participle of the verb "damage". It is used to describe something that has been harmed, impaired, or made less effective. Ludwig examples show its widespread use in news and media, as well as other contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that "damaged" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "damaged" is a versatile term used to describe something that has been harmed or impaired, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical function is primarily as a past participle, and it carries a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. The term is frequently found in news and media, as well as business and formal writing. When using "damaged", it's important to be precise about the extent and nature of the damage, and consider alternative words when more specific descriptions are needed. The related phrases offered can also help to improve the effectiveness of the writing and avoid repetitions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmed

Indicates that something has been hurt or injured, either physically or metaphorically.

impaired

Refers to a reduced functionality or effectiveness due to some harm.

broken

Implies that something is no longer functional due to being fractured or shattered.

injured

Suggests physical harm or wound.

defective

Indicates a flaw or imperfection that impairs functionality.

compromised

Implies that something has been weakened or made vulnerable.

marred

Suggests that the appearance or quality has been spoiled.

flawed

Indicates the presence of imperfections or faults.

deteriorated

Suggests a decline in quality or condition over time.

tarnished

Implies a loss of luster or reputation.

FAQs

How can I use "damaged" in a sentence?

You can use "damaged" to describe something that has been harmed or impaired. For example, "The shipment arrived with "damaged goods"" or "His reputation was "damaged by" the scandal".

What's the difference between "damaged" and "broken"?

"Damaged" is a general term for something harmed, while "broken" implies that something is no longer in one piece or functioning correctly. A vase could be "damaged" if it has a chip, but it's "broken" if it's shattered.

What are some synonyms for "damaged"?

Alternatives to "damaged" include "impaired", "harmed", "injured", "defective", or "compromised", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone is "damaged"?

Yes, you can say someone is "damaged" to suggest they have emotional or psychological scars, often from past trauma. It implies they are not fully whole or functional in some way. The phrase is sometimes used to describe "damaged goods".