Disservices

/ˌdɪsˈsɜːvɪsɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural of disservice; acts or instances of causing harm, inconvenience, or unhelpfulness.

Etymology

From dis- + service + -es (plural). 'Disservice' entered English around the 1500s to describe harmful actions (opposite of the help service provides). The plural simply marks multiple instances.

Kelly Says

The word 'disservice' became popular during the Renaissance when English writers wanted to describe the opposite of helping someone—like when a 'helpful' advice actually hurts you. We still use this word constantly in modern English.

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