Legal Definitions - deleterious

The term deleterious describes something that is harmful or damaging, often in a way that negatively affects health, well-being, or a desired outcome. It refers to anything that has a detrimental or injurious effect.

• Imagine a manufacturing plant that consistently releases untreated chemical byproducts into a local river. These chemicals could have a deleterious effect on the aquatic ecosystem, poisoning fish and plants, and potentially contaminating the drinking water for nearby communities.

  This illustrates "deleterious" because the chemical byproducts are causing direct and significant harm to the environment and public health.

• Consider a company that implements a new policy requiring all employees to work 60-hour weeks without additional compensation or breaks. Over time, this policy could have a deleterious impact on employee morale, leading to burnout, increased stress, and a decline in productivity and overall job satisfaction.

  Here, "deleterious" highlights how the policy is damaging to the employees' well-being and, consequently, to the company's long-term success.

• Think about a diet consisting primarily of highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. While perhaps convenient, consistently consuming such a diet can have a deleterious effect on one's long-term health, contributing to conditions like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

  This example shows "deleterious" referring to the harmful and injurious consequences of a particular dietary pattern on physical health.