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Devastating: meaning, definitions and examples

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devastating

 

[ˈdɛvəˌsteɪtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in describing a situation or event

Causing great damage or destruction; overwhelming; highly destructive.

Synonyms

catastrophic, destructive, devastative, disastrous, ruinous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
devastating

Usually used to describe events or actions that cause great emotional pain or have severe, wide-reaching negative consequences.

  • The news of the accident was devastating for the whole community
  • The devastating impact of the storm destroyed hundreds of homes
destructive

Refers to things that cause harm, damage, or ruin, often physically, but can also apply to actions or habits.

  • The fire was extremely destructive, leaving nothing but ashes
  • His destructive behavior ruined many relationships
ruinous

Used when something causes severe damage or ruin, often with a long-lasting effect, and often carries a negative connotation.

  • The ruinous economic policies led to widespread poverty
  • Her ruinous habits eventually left her bankrupt
disastrous

Describes events or outcomes that result in serious harm, damage, or failure, often with a focus on the resulting negative effects.

  • The launch was a disastrous failure, costing the company millions
  • The decision to cut funding had disastrous repercussions
catastrophic

Commonly used for events that cause massive and often sudden damage or destruction, often on a large scale.

  • The earthquake had catastrophic effects on the entire region
  • Failure to address the issue could lead to catastrophic consequences

Examples of usage

  • The devastating impact of the hurricane left the town in ruins.
  • The devastating effects of the war were felt for generations.
  • The devastating news of the accident shocked everyone.
  • The devastating earthquake destroyed entire villages.
  • The devastating loss of his job left him feeling hopeless.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'devastare', which means to lay waste or ravage.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Middle French word 'devaster', which also means to destroy.

Emotional Impact

  • The emotional effects of devastating events, like natural disasters, can last for many years, influencing mental health.
  • People often experience a range of emotions such as shock, sadness, and anger following a devastating event.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often depict devastating scenarios, such as loss or tragedy, to create a strong emotional connection with the audience.
  • In music, songs about devastating heartbreak can resonate deeply, helping listeners process their own feelings.

Literature

  • Novelists use devastating moments to build up tension or highlight character development, making stories more impactful.
  • Classic literature often explores themes of devastation caused by war, loss, or nature, prompting readers to reflect on human experiences.

Science

  • Natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes can have devastating effects on ecosystems, altering landscapes and impacting wildlife.
  • Research shows that communities recovering from devastating events often develop stronger social bonds as they rebuild together.

Translations

Translations of the word "devastating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 devastador

🇮🇳 विनाशकारी

🇩🇪 verheerend

🇮🇩 menghancurkan

🇺🇦 спустошливий

🇵🇱 dewastujący

🇯🇵 壊滅的な (かいめつてきな)

🇫🇷 dévastateur

🇪🇸 devastador

🇹🇷 yıkıcı

🇰🇷 파괴적인

🇸🇦 مدمر

🇨🇿 devastující

🇸🇰 devastujúci

🇨🇳 毁灭性的 (huǐmièxìng de)

🇸🇮 uničujoč

🇮🇸 eyðileggjandi

🇰🇿 жойқын

🇬🇪 დამანგრეველი (damangreveli)

🇦🇿 dağıdıcı

🇲🇽 devastador

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,816 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.