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Definition harmful in British English

harmful adjective

adjective
/ˈhɑː(r)mf(ə)l/

The usual preposition to use with harmful is to (not ‘for’):

✗ Smoking is harmful for smokers and non-smokers.

✓ Smoking is harmful to smokers and non-smokers.

✗ Looking at a computer monitor for a long time can be harmful for the eyes.

✓ Looking at a computer monitor for a long time can be harmful to the eyes.

Example

The bacteria digest some of the harmful substances in the sewage.

Example

harmful effects/consequences

Example

The fungus is not harmful to humans.

Synonyms and related words
Definition harmful in British English