collateral damage

NOUN

unintentional damage to non-military people or property during war

Synonyms

WEAK

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Pakistan's targeting is precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage is inflicted," the information ministry said.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

Rosenzweig came to suspect that the “whole” can’t be seized in one grand idea—whether Reason, History or Nation—without turning the individual into collateral damage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

There are those not only livid with Lord Mandelson, but livid at the collateral damage being done to the prime minister.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

Markets will differentiate between assets that suffered structural damage and those that experienced collateral damage.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 3, 2026

Which led to all the collateral damage . . . which made her feel like Godzilla.

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell