deleterious
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “deleterious” mean?
adjective.causing harm or damage.
SAT Usage
the term is often found in passages discussing environmental issues, health, or social consequences. It emphasizes the negative impact of certain actions or substances, suggesting a more severe and often insidious form of harm compared to similar terms like "harmful," which may not convey the same level of seriousness or long-term effects.
Common Confusions
Deleterious implies a significant and often hidden level of harm, while harmful usually suggests a more direct and immediate negative effect.
Do not choose deleterious if the context emphasizes benefit or positivity rather than causing harm or damage.
Example Sentences
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Excessive screen time can have deleterious effects on sleep.
Word Parts: How to Remember “deleterious”
Break “deleterious” into its parts: de- (down, away, un-). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
de-down, away, un- (Latin)