damaging

adjective

dam·​ag·​ing ˈda-mi-jiŋ How to pronounce damaging (audio)
Synonyms of damagingnext
: causing or able to cause damage : injurious
has a damaging effect on wildlife
damagingly
ˈda-mi-jiŋ-lē How to pronounce damaging (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of damaging

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Examples of damaging in a Sentence

the damaging effects of the sun on your skin The storm may produce damaging winds. He says he has damaging information about the candidate. The evidence was very damaging to their case.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some storms could be strong enough for hail or damaging winds. — Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 And such a gap can be far more damaging than any technology shortfall. — Eugenia Mykuliak, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 That was huge, because Mary has had the realization that what was supposed to be a nurturing maternal force in her life had a damaging impact on her. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 30 June 2026 Ants themselves aren't usually harming your tomatoes, but they're often attracted to certain damaging pests. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for damaging

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of damaging was circa 1828

Browse Nearby Words

damaged goods
damaging
damagingly
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Cite this Entry

“Damaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/damaging. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on damaging

Nglish: Translation of damaging for Spanish Speakers

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