detriments

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “detriments” is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a noun and is typically used to refer to something that has a negative effect on a situation or to describe losses or disadvantages. For example, “The increased costs of goods and services have been one of the greatest detriments to our society.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Hulu Plus also shouldn't be counted out, though there are some detriments.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This, I am sure you will agree, is different from trying to influence content before publication.Rob ShipleyDeputy editorJersey Evening PostSt Saviour, JerseyMashing spudsSIR – You praise the potato, but forget its myriad detriments ("Spud we like", March 1st).

The Economist

He combined a vocal, sometimes showy Christianity with a cruel streak and a fondness for amphetamines and women in a way that could easily have seemed hypocritical.But Cash found a way to turn his detriments into advantages.

The Economist

But he found a way to turn his detriments into advantages, and by the time he died, a decade ago, he was adored by millions.

The Economist

In a (now deleted) tweet, he responded: "One of the detriments of only having two POV characters, both men (a structural necessity).

Independent

Given that the only detriments associated with hearing tests are "some anxiety" and the unreimbursed medical costs patients incur, Dr. James Pacala, president of the American Geriatrics Society, said he planned to continue offering them to patients.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Even the November nuclear deal in Geneva with the so-called P5+1 can be seen as enhancing Iran's regional status to the detriment of Saudi Arabia, which has threatened to distance itself from the United States over the apparent Washington-Tehran thaw.

The Guardian

The removal of the cap on private patient income means trusts will be able to make more of their income from private patients, to the detriment of NHS patients because the private sector people will be more valuable.

The Guardian

Some feminists pointed out that women suffer detriment to their careers when they change their names; that they signal their submission to their husbands, and reinforce to their children the idea that women are inferior to men.

The Guardian - Books

"We have seen too much of plcs, breakaway leagues, and the top level becoming greedier, to the detriment of the rest.

The Guardian - Sport

It said: "We considered that this emphasis on a £160 refund, which required a commitment of £320, was likely to encourage consumers who would not normally have spent £40 on twice weekly draws to spend more than they otherwise would have done, to their detriment in some cases.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing both positive and negative aspects, use "benefits and detriments" to provide a balanced view. For instance, "The study analyzed the benefits and detriments of the new policy."

Common error

Avoid using "detriments" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it's more suited for formal writing. Simpler terms like "downsides" or "drawbacks" may be more appropriate in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "detriments" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple disadvantages, harms, or negative consequences. Ludwig examples show its use in discussing the downsides of various situations, from trade policies to technological advancements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "detriments" functions as a plural noun, used to denote multiple disadvantages or negative consequences. As shown by Ludwig, it is commonly found in formal contexts such as news reports and scientific discussions, highlighting potential downsides with a neutral to formal tone. While grammatically sound, "detriments" is most suitable for balanced and critical assessments, and simpler alternatives like "drawbacks" or "downsides" may be preferable in informal settings. Ludwig AI confirms that "detriments" is correct and can be used in written English, typically to describe losses or negative effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drawbacks

Replaces "detriments" with a simpler, more common term for disadvantages.

disadvantages

A direct synonym for "detriments", suitable for most contexts.

downsides

Informal synonym, emphasizing the negative aspects.

negative impacts

Focuses on the effect of something being detrimental.

adverse effects

A more formal and technical term for negative consequences.

shortcomings

Highlights the flaws or weaknesses of something.

liabilities

Emphasizes the burdens or obligations created by something.

weaknesses

Focuses on the areas where something is not strong or effective.

pitfalls

Highlights hidden dangers or difficulties.

negative consequences

Broad term for the undesirable results of an action or situation.

FAQs

How to use "detriments" in a sentence?

You can use "detriments" to refer to disadvantages or negative aspects. For example, "One of the "drawbacks" of the project is the high cost."

What can I say instead of "detriments"?

You can use alternatives like ""drawbacks"", "disadvantages", or "downsides" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "detriments" or "detrimental effects"?

"Detriments" is a noun referring to negative aspects, while "detrimental effects" is a noun phrase describing the results. The choice depends on the sentence structure. For instance, consider using "adverse effects" to add emphasis.

What's the difference between "detriments" and "benefits"?

"Detriments" refers to the negative aspects or disadvantages, while "benefits" refers to the positive aspects or advantages. When assessing a situation, it's important to consider both the "advantages" and detriments.