destroyed
- 01 A2 Elementary
damaged so badly that it cannot be fixed or used anymore.
rendered useless or non-existent through physical damage or total ruin.
Simple“The old bridge was completely destroyed by the heavy floods last winter.”
In context“The historic archives were destroyed in the fire, leaving historians with no primary records of the town's founding era.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
feeling extremely sad or shocked because of bad news.
experiencing extreme emotional distress or psychological devastation.
Simple“She was destroyed when she heard that her favorite shop was closing down.”
In context“The family was utterly destroyed by the sudden news, struggling to process the magnitude of their loss in the following weeks.”
SynonymsAntonymsjoyfulunmoved - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
feeling completely exhausted after a lot of hard work.
physically or mentally exhausted to the point of collapse.
Simple“I was absolutely destroyed after running my first marathon.”
In context“After forty-eight hours of continuous duty, the medical staff were destroyed and desperately needed a period of uninterrupted rest.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
covered in mud or dirt, usually after a fall.
heavily soiled or muddied, typically used in reference to clothing or children.
Simple“The kids came home destroyed after playing in the wet garden all afternoon.”
In context“He tripped in the bog and came back to the cottage destroyed, with mud caked into every fiber of his wool coat.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is specific to Irish English; learners should use 'filthy' or 'covered in mud' in other regions.
Usage destroyed homes · destroyed in the fire · destroyed building