devastating
- 01 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.
Simple“The island is still recovering from a devastating hurricane last year.”
In context“The devastating floods of the previous decade had permanently altered the local topography, forcing entire communities to relocate to higher ground.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.causing someone to feel very shocked, upset, or sad.
adj.causing severe emotional distress or overwhelming grief.
Simple“It was devastating news for the family when they heard about the accident.”
In context“The sudden closure of the factory was a devastating blow to the town's economy and the morale of its residents.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The lawyer made a devastating argument that proved the witness was lying.”
In context“The critic’s devastating review of the premiere focused on the lead actor's inability to convey the script's underlying emotional complexity.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 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.
Simple“The forest fire is still devastating the national park.”
In context“By the time the ceasefire was signed, the conflict had been devastating the region's infrastructure for nearly three years.”
UsageUsed as the -ing form of the verb 'devastate'.
Usage devastating impact · devastating wildfires · devastating consequences
“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.”