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néfaste

harmful

adjective nay-FAST Rare

Also means

ill-fated

Usage Note

Néfaste comes from Latin nefastus (unlawful, ill-omened) and retains a slightly formal or literary feel. It is stronger than mauvais and implies consequences that are serious or damaging: des effets néfastes sur la santé (harmful effects on health). The feminine form is identical: une influence néfaste.

Examples

"Cette décision a eu des effets néfastes."

Natural Translation

This decision had harmful effects.

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