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Wreckage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wreckage

[หˆrekษชdส’ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

airplane crash

The remains of something that has been badly damaged or destroyed, especially in an accident.

Synonyms

debris, remains, ruins.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wreckage

Wreckage is often used to describe the remains of something that has been severely damaged, usually by an accident or disaster. It is commonly associated with vehicles, buildings, and ships.

  • The wreckage of the plane was spread over a wide area.
  • Rescue teams are still searching through the wreckage for survivors.
debris

Debris refers to scattered pieces of waste or remains. It can be used in a variety of contexts including natural disasters, construction sites, and even space.

  • The hurricane left a trail of debris along the coastline.
  • Construction workers cleared the debris from the site before beginning their work.
ruins

Ruins specifically refer to the remains of buildings or structures that have fallen into a state of decay or been destroyed. This term is often used in a historical or dramatic context.

  • Tourists visited the ruins of the ancient temple.
  • The war left the city in ruins.
remains

Remains are what is left after something has been destroyed, decayed, or otherwise reached its end. It can refer to physical objects, bodies, or even abstract concepts like traditions.

  • The archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient civilization.
  • The remains of the meal were left on the table.

Examples of usage

  • The investigators sifted through the wreckage of the plane to determine the cause of the crash.
  • The wreckage of the ship was scattered across the ocean floor.
  • The firefighters combed through the wreckage to rescue any survivors.
Context #2 | Noun

car crash

The remaining parts of a vehicle that has been severely damaged in an accident.

Synonyms

crushed vehicle, mangled remains.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wreckage

Repeated word, see first entry for context and examples.
mangled remains

Used to describe severely damaged or disfigured remains of an object, often carrying a negative or gruesome connotation. Can apply to various types of debris, not just vehicles.

  • The mangled remains of the aircraft were scattered across the field
  • Witnesses were horrified by the mangled remains of the building
crushed vehicle

Refers specifically to a car or other vehicle that has been severely damaged or flattened, typically in an accident or under heavy weight.

  • The fire department struggled to extricate the driver from the crushed vehicle
  • The crushed vehicle was barely recognizable after the collision

Examples of usage

  • The wreckage of the car was towed away from the scene of the crash.
  • The firefighters had to extricate the driver from the wreckage of the car.
  • The twisted wreckage of the vehicle indicated the severity of the collision.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'wreckage'

The word 'wreckage' originated in the early 19th century from the combination of 'wreck' and the suffix '-age'. 'Wreck' comes from Old Norse 'wrek', meaning 'something driven ashore'. The concept of wreckage has been associated with disasters and accidents throughout history, highlighting the aftermath of destruction and damage.

See also: wreck, wrecker.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,084, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.