Which adjective means harmful or damaging to health or welfare?

• A. Didactic
• B. Deleterious
• C. Cursory
• D. Conjecture

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is choosing a word that specifically describes something harmful or damaging to health or welfare. Deleterious fits this use precisely. It’s a formal term that signals negative impact, especially on health or well-being, and you’ll often see it in phrases like “deleterious effects” or “deleterious to health.” For example, pollution can have deleterious effects on human health and ecosystems.

The other words don’t carry that exact sense. Didactic refers to teaching or moralizing instruction, not harm. Cursory describes something superficial or brief in examination, not health impact. Conjecture means a guess or hypothesis lacking solid evidence, not anything about harm or damage. So deleterious is the best choice because it specifically conveys harmful effects on health or welfare.