Devastatingly: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe an event or action that causes extreme damage or destruction, often with a sense of shock and overwhelming impact.

• The hurricane hit the coastal town devastatingly, leaving nearly nothing intact
• Her words cut through him devastatingly, breaking his heart

Appropriate when describing actions or processes that cause significant damage or destruction, usually in a physical sense.

• The child played destructively with his toys, breaking several of them
• Logging was done so destructively that it took years for the forest to recover

Used when discussing actions or substances that cause harm or injury, often with a sense of unintentional damage.

• Smoking cigarettes is harmfully affecting her health
• The chemicals can act harmfully on marine life if dumped in the ocean

Used to describe experiences or actions that cause physical or emotional pain, often discomforting or difficult to endure.

• The athlete fell painfully during the race
• It was painfully obvious that their relationship was in trouble

Ideal for describing events or circumstances that result in great loss, sadness, or despair, typically involving death or severe misfortune.

• The young actor died tragically in a car accident
• The story of the Titanic is tragically remembered in history