ujemno

Ujemno is a term found in some South Slavic language varieties used to express that something has harmful or adverse effects. Grammatically, it functions as an adverb meaning "in a harmful manner" or "to a detrimental extent"; in certain contexts it may appear in the meaning of "harmful" as an adjective describing effects or outcomes. It is most often encountered in formal, juridical, or technical language and is less common in everyday speech.

Usage and regional notes: Ujemno is more likely to appear in regulatory texts, scientific writing, and older literature. In standard Croatian and Bosnian, more common words for "harmful" are štetan/štetno, whereas ujemno carries a nuance of emphasis on the negative consequence. Its frequency and acceptability vary by dialect and period.

Etymology and range: The precise etymology of ujemno is not widely documented. It is sometimes described as a fossilized or specialized adverbial form, perhaps linked to Proto-Slavic roots related to damage or injury, though exact derivations are not settled. The term is predominantly found in Croatian-language contexts and related varieties, with limited use in others.

See also: Harmful effects, Detrimental, Adverbs of manner.