the deleterious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the deleterious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is harmful or damaging, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The researchers found that the deleterious effects of pollution on marine life were more severe than previously thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The right clubs can minimize the deleterious outcomes.

The New York Times - Sports

While attractive in concept, this proposal fails to recognize the deleterious consequences for Long Island residents.

The New York Times

If the deleterious mutation rate is too high, asexuals will quickly go extinct.

The New York Times

Are other pupils in the same schools hermetically sealed from the deleterious effects of such teachers?

The Guardian

Louboutin, however, is not sympathetic to complaints about the deleterious effects of high heels on locomotion.

The New Yorker

Even if we take significant and meaningful actions, many of the deleterious impacts will occur anyway.

The Guardian

You know, "to break the deleterious chokehold of the Steve Jobs' [sic] legacy".

The Guardian - Tech

Let us consider for a moment the deleterious effect of marijuana on the arts.

The Guardian - Books

Most discussion has focused on the deleterious effect of multitasking.

The New York Times

The process of undoing the deleterious effects of research rapture.

The New York Times

The deleterious effects of teen pregnancy are easier to establish.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the deleterious", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being negatively affected, providing specificity for clarity and impact. For instance, specify "the deleterious effects of pollution on marine life" rather than simply "the deleterious effects".

Common error

Avoid using "the deleterious" in informal writing or conversation. Its formal tone can sound unnatural in everyday settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "the harmful" or "the damaging" for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the deleterious" functions primarily as a determiner + adjective modifying an implied or explicit noun, typically "effects", "impact", or "consequences". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's ability to describe something harmful or damaging.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the deleterious" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in formal and scientific writing, to denote something harmful or damaging. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for describing adverse effects and consequences. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts demanding precision and sophistication, avoiding overuse in casual settings where simpler alternatives like "the harmful" or "the detrimental" may be more appropriate. Its strong presence in news and media, combined with scientific publications, underscores its relevance in communicating significant negative impacts across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the harmful

Focuses directly on the causing of harm, a more general and common term.

the detrimental

Emphasizes the aspect of causing damage or disadvantage, a slightly more formal term.

the damaging

Highlights the action of causing damage, focusing on the process rather than the inherent quality.

the adverse

Indicates unfavorable or negative effects, covering a broader range of undesirable outcomes.

the injurious

Stresses the aspect of causing injury or harm, often used in legal or medical contexts.

the destructive

Highlights the potential for causing significant damage or ruin, focusing on severity.

the pernicious

Suggests a subtle but gradually harmful effect, often difficult to detect initially.

the unhealthy

Relates specifically to effects that are bad for one's health or well-being.

the noxious

Emphasizes the aspect of being harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.

the unfavorable

Highlights a lack of support or approval, indicating potential negative outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "the deleterious" in a sentence?

Use "the deleterious" to describe something that has a harmful or damaging effect. For example, "Researchers examined the "deleterious effects" of the new policy on small businesses".

What are some alternatives to saying "the deleterious"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "the deleterious" with phrases like "the harmful", "the detrimental", or "the adverse".

Is "the deleterious" suitable for casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "the deleterious" is more appropriate for formal writing and academic or professional contexts. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "the harmful" or "the damaging" may be more fitting.

How does "the deleterious" differ from "the detrimental"?

"The deleterious" and "the detrimental" are similar in meaning, both indicating something harmful. However, "deleterious" often implies a more subtle or unexpected harm, whereas "detrimental" directly suggests damage or disadvantage. Therefore, in most cases, "the harmful" covers both meanings.