Read the passage and answer the questions:
In contemporary professional environments, workplace stress has emerged as a pervasive and insidious phenomenon, often undermining both organizational efficiency and employee well-being. Far from being a mere by product of demanding schedules, chronic occupational stress is frequently rooted in deeper systemic issues such as unrealistic expectations, inadequate support structures, and a pervasive culture of constant connectivity. The relentless pursuit of productivity, amplified by technological advancements that blur the boundaries between personal and professional spheres, has exacerbated employees' sense of perpetual obligation.
Left unchecked, prolonged exposure to high-stress environments can precipitate a range of deleterious outcomes, including burnout, diminished cognitive functioning, and even serious physical health conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Organizations that fail to recognize and address the underlying causes of stress not only risk elevated turnover rates but also compromise innovation, morale, and overall competitiveness.
Counteracting workplace stress demands a multi-faceted approach that transcends superficial interventions such as temporary wellness programs or occasional mindfulness workshops. Instead, it requires a fundamental re-evaluation of work design, leadership styles, and organizational priorities. Encouraging open dialogue about mental health, instituting flexible work arrangements, and fostering a culture that genuinely values work-life balance are pivotal steps toward cultivating a more sustainable and humane professional landscape.
The word "deleterious" most nearly means:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The word appears in the following sentence:
"...prolonged exposure to high-stress environments can precipitate a range of deleterious outcomes, including burnout, diminished cognitive functioning, and even serious physical health conditions..."
The author follows the word "deleterious" with a list of very negative consequences: burnout, diminished functioning, and serious diseases (hypertension and cardiovascular disease).
Since all the outcomes listed are damaging to a person's health and career, "deleterious" must describe something that causes damage or harm.
Definition: deleterious is a high-level synonym for "harmful" or "damaging," often used in scientific or professional writing.