detriment

Detriment is a noun meaning harm, damage, or something that causes harm or disadvantage. It can also mean the act of causing such harm and, in law, the state of being worse off as a result of an action. The term comes from Latin detrimentum, from detriment- "harmful, disadvantage." In everyday use, something is to one's detriment if it results in a disadvantage or loss.

In contract law, detriment has a technical sense relating to consideration. A contract requires consideration, which historically is something given in return for a promise. Detriment in this context refers to a legal or economic detriment suffered by a party, such as performing an act, forbearance to act, or giving up a right, in exchange for a promise. The presence of detriment helps show that a bargain is binding; the sufficiency and adequacy of detriment can affect enforceability, particularly in cases of illusory or preexisting duties.

In other legal and policy contexts, detriment describes the harmful effects or disadvantages arising from a decision, rule, or exposure to a substance. For example, environmental regulations may seek to reduce detriment by limiting pollutants; a product with potential detriment may be subject to warnings or recalls.

Other uses describe detriment in terms of harm to reputation, finances, or health. The phrase "to the detriment of" signals a negative impact on someone or something.

See also: harm, disadvantage, loss, liability.