Word
devastating
Phoneticsdev·as·tat·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɛvəˌsteɪtɪŋ/
UK/dˈɛvəstˌeɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
01causing great damage
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. causing a lot of physical damage or destruction to a place.
adj. causing widespread destruction or ruin to physical structures or environments.
“The island is still recovering from a devastating hurricane last year.”
“The devastating floods of the previous decade had permanently altered the local topography, forcing entire communities to relocate to higher ground.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02emotionally shocking
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. causing someone to feel very shocked, upset, or sad.
adj. causing severe emotional distress or overwhelming grief.
“It was devastating news for the family when they heard about the accident.”
“The sudden closure of the factory was a devastating blow to the town's economy and the morale of its residents.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03highly effective
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. used to describe something very powerful or effective, often in a negative way.
adj. highly effective or powerful, typically in a manner that overwhelms an opponent or an argument.
“The lawyer made a devastating argument that proved the witness was lying.”
“The critic’s devastating review of the premiere focused on the lead actor's inability to convey the script's underlying emotional complexity.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04destroying
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. the action of destroying or ruining something.
v. the present participle of 'devastate', functioning as a continuous verb form to describe ongoing destruction.
“The forest fire is still devastating the national park.”
“By the time the ceasefire was signed, the conflict had been devastating the region's infrastructure for nearly three years.”
Usage
Used as the -ing form of the verb 'devastate'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “devastating” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Meanwhile, the UN World Food Programme warned last week that devastating funding cuts will affect food deliveries to the most hungry at a time when a hunger crisis is affecting 14 million Afghans.” “Something was killing off the African armyworm – one of the most devastating pests for farmers in east and southern Africa.” “The consequences of gambling-related harm can be devastating.” “If excessive workloads prevent those decisions being made properly, the consequences can be devastating.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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