Devastated: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when someone is experiencing deep emotional pain or overwhelming loss.

• She was devastated by the news of her father's death

Best used for a sudden and intense emotional reaction to unexpected news or events. Can be both positive and negative, but often negative.

• He was shocked when he found out he had won the lottery

This is a general term for mild to moderate emotional distress or unhappiness, without the deep intensity of some of the other words listed.

• She was upset after failing her exam

Apply this when someone is extremely worried, agitated, or mentally upset, often visibly so.

• After hearing about the accident, she was too distraught to speak

This word is ideal for romantic or personal emotional distress, usually involving love or deep personal connections.

• He was brokenhearted after his girlfriend left him

Used to describe extreme emotional sadness or shock.

• She was devastated after hearing the news of her friend's accident.
• He felt devastated when he lost his job.

Used when completely ruining something, whether it's a physical object, concept, or emotional state.

• The hurricane destroyed many homes.
• His harsh words destroyed her confidence.

Used when something is damaged or spoiled to the point of being useless or without value; has a slightly negative emotional context.

• The rain ruined our picnic.
• The scandal ruined his reputation.

Used when severely damaging or destroying something, often associated with accidents or violence; can imply a chaotic or abrupt event.

• The ship was wrecked in the storm.
• The car was a total wreck after the collision.

Used when physically tearing down buildings or structures.

• The old factory was demolished to make way for new apartments.
• They will demolish the house next week.