rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydisserviceHarmful action
noun

disservice

dis-SUR-vis/dɪsˈsɜːrvɪs/

An action that harms someone or something.

Overwatering the plant does its owner a disservice.

A well-meaning white adult overwatering a drooping potted plant while its South Asian owner looks dismayed, help causing harm.
Etymology
disEnglishopposite of
+serviceEnglishhelp, assistance

Here dis- reverses service in its sense of helpful action. A disservice produces harm rather than benefit, so even something intended to help can be a disservice.

In context

TEDx Talks11:18
We do a great disservice to boys on how we raise them; we stifle the humanity of boys.
We should all be feminists | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | TEDxEuston

More examples

  • The misleading summary was a disservice to readers.
  • She did herself a disservice by refusing to explain.
  • The inaccurate film did a disservice to its subject.

Forms

disservice

Similar words

harm
Harm is any injury or damage; disservice suggests an action that fails to serve someone’s interests.
detriment
Detriment is damage or disadvantage; a disservice is an act that causes it.