detriment

Definition

Something that causes harm, damage, or disadvantage—typically used in legal contexts to describe injury or loss suffered by a party. The opposite of benefit, and often the thing you're suing to recover from.

Example Usage

The breach of contract caused significant detriment to the business, resulting in lost revenue and reputation damage.

Source: Merriam-Webster via Free Dictionary API

Related Terms

Intermediate

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When a professional makes a mistake so bad that regular complaining is not enough and you need to involve the legal system. The formal way of saying "you had one job" with a price tag attached.

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The plea or verdict that means "yeah, I did it" or "the jury thinks you did it"—the legal system's way of declaring someone responsible for a crime. It's what defendants try to avoid and prosecutors try to achieve, often through elaborate courtroom battles. Once this word is officially attached to you, the next conversation involves sentencing and very stern judicial looks.

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A legal doctrine that enforces promises even without a formal contract when someone reasonably relied on that promise to their detriment. It's the law's way of saying 'you can't just back out of a promise that someone quit their job to accept.'

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