disservice

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an action that harms someone or something instead of helping, often despite good intentions

   Oversimplifying the evidence does a disservice to readers.

2. 2
   verb

   to serve inadequately or in a way that causes harm

   A rushed translation can disservice both the author and the audience.

Formed from dis- + service. The prefix gives the compound its reversal sense: what appears to be service instead produces harm. The noun is especially common in the phrase do someone a disservice.

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