Meaning
Harmful or damaging consequences that cause significant damage or ruin.
Cultural Background
In Iran, the phrase is heavily associated with the drying of Lake Urmia. Activists use it to describe the 'destructive effects' of poorly planned dams. Teachers often use this phrase to warn students about the 'destructive effects' of cheating or lack of focus on their future. State media and independent outlets both use this phrase frequently when discussing international sanctions (تحریمها). In Dari, the phrase is used similarly, especially in the context of the long-term 'destructive effects' of conflict on infrastructure.
Use with 'جبرانناپذیر'
To sound like a native expert, pair it with 'جبرانناپذیر' (irreparable). Example: اثرات مخرب و جبرانناپذیر.
Don't use for people
Don't call a person 'مخرب' unless they are a 'saboteur' or 'destroyer' in a very specific sense. It's for effects, not personalities.
Meaning
Harmful or damaging consequences that cause significant damage or ruin.
Use with 'جبرانناپذیر'
To sound like a native expert, pair it with 'جبرانناپذیر' (irreparable). Example: اثرات مخرب و جبرانناپذیر.
Don't use for people
Don't call a person 'مخرب' unless they are a 'saboteur' or 'destroyer' in a very specific sense. It's for effects, not personalities.
News Anchor Style
If you want to sound like a BBC Persian anchor, use this phrase with a slow, serious tone.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
آلودگی پلاستیک در اقیانوسها __________ زیادی بر زندگی ماهیها دارد.
The standard collocation for destructive effects is 'اثرات مخرب'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal register?
Choose the best sentence:
This sentence correctly uses the phrase to describe systemic damage to a city's structure.
Match the cause with its 'اثرات مخرب'.
Match the following:
These are the most common contexts for using 'اثرات مخرب'.
Complete the dialogue between two environmentalists.
شخص الف: چرا باید مصرف پلاستیک را کم کنیم؟ شخص ب: چون پلاستیک __________ بر محیط زیست دارد.
In an environmental context, 'اثرات مخربی' is the most appropriate formal term.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesآلودگی پلاستیک در اقیانوسها __________ زیادی بر زندگی ماهیها دارد.
The standard collocation for destructive effects is 'اثرات مخرب'.
Choose the best sentence:
This sentence correctly uses the phrase to describe systemic damage to a city's structure.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the most common contexts for using 'اثرات مخرب'.
شخص الف: چرا باید مصرف پلاستیک را کم کنیم؟ شخص ب: چون پلاستیک __________ بر محیط زیست دارد.
In an environmental context, 'اثرات مخربی' is the most appropriate formal term.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, yes, because damage is often multi-faceted. However, 'اثر مخرب' (singular) is used for one specific result.
No. For a broken phone, say 'گوشیام خراب شده' (My phone is broken). 'اثرات مخرب' is too formal and abstract.
The opposite is 'اثرات سازنده' (constructive effects) or 'اثرات مثبت' (positive effects).
Yes, if you are discussing a serious problem or a risk to the company.
Not really. It sounds more like a newspaper or a textbook. For poetry, use 'ویرانی'.
It's like the 'ch' in 'Loch Ness' or 'Bach'. It's a voiceless velar fricative.
Yes, 'تاثیرات مخرب' is a perfect synonym and very common.
No, it is used in Afghanistan (Dari) and Tajikistan (Tajik) as well, though the pronunciation varies slightly.
It is B2. It requires knowledge of Arabic plurals and formal collocations.
Only if the movie was so bad it 'destroyed' your mental state or the film industry. Otherwise, just say 'فیلم بدی بود'.
Related Phrases
پیامدهای ناگوار
similarUnpleasant consequences
تاثیرات منفی
similarNegative influences
ویرانگر
synonymDevastating
سازنده
contrastConstructive
