negative
adjective
uk/ˈneɡətɪv/ usbad or harmful:
Its profits rose as higher sales and cost cuts offset the negative impact of lower prices.
have a negative effect on sth This trade could eventually have a negative effect on the economy and prices.
Recognizing the costly effects of negative publicity, the company began to study the environmental impacts of its products.
negative aspects/consequences
Compare
positive adjective
expressing 'no':
a negative answer/response
emphasizing the bad possibilities in a situation:
be negative about sth Small and medium-size businesses were more negative about the economy than last year.
negative attitudes/comments/reactions
less than zero:
Employment growth was negative for manufacturing over the past year.
Medical bills strained the budget, and before long their checking account had a negative balance.
negative
noun
uk/ˈneɡətɪv/ us [ C ]
a bad characteristic, piece of news, etc.:
Traders see few negatives, saying hi-tech and telecoms shares will continue their rise.
answer/respond/reply in the negative
to give an answer of 'no':
Issuers that do not have a CUSIP number should answer Question 8 in the negative.