The meaning of DELETERIOUS is harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way. How to use deleterious in a sentence.

DELETERIOUS definition: injurious to health. See examples of deleterious used in a sentence.

Any exercise of the animal propensities, for whatever purpose, would have deleterious consequences in all aspects of life.

Definition of deleterious adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

deleterious, adj. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

deleterious in British English (ˌdɛlɪˈtɪərɪəs ) adjective harmful; injurious; hurtful

Dec 11, 2025 · deleterious (comparative more deleterious, superlative most deleterious) (formal) Harmful, often in a subtle or unexpected way. synonyms quotations Synonyms: destructive, harmful, …

If something is deleterious, it does harm or makes things worse. Smoking has obvious deleterious effects on your health, not to mention your social life.

Having a harmful effect; injurious: the deleterious effects of smoking. [From Greek dēlētērios, from dēlētēr, destroyer, from dēleisthai, to harm.]

deleterious meaning, definition, what is deleterious: damaging or harmful: Learn more.