The adjective detrimental means something that can cause damage or ruin.
Synonyms are destructive, disturbing, negative, or adverse.
The word origins in 1650s. It comes from detriment plus –al. In 19th century, it is used as noun slang meaning “an ineligible suitor, one who through poverty or unseriousness wastes the time of a young woman seeking marriage”.
The study says smoking and drinking liquors are detrimental to your health.
His psychological condition had a detrimental impact on his family.
The decision of the father had detrimental effects on his children.