# devastating

/ˈdɛvəˌsteɪtɪŋ/ (US) · /dˈɛvəstˌeɪtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/devastating
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. causing great damage

adjective · CEFR B2

causing a lot of physical damage or destruction to a place.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. emotionally shocking

adjective · CEFR B2

causing someone to feel very shocked, upset, or sad.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. highly effective

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

used to describe something very powerful or effective, often in a negative way.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. destroying

verb · CEFR B2

the action of destroying or ruining something.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The news of the accident was devastating for the family.
- The hurricane had a devastating effect on the coastal town, destroying hundreds of homes.
- Economists warned that the sudden collapse of the national bank would have devastating consequences for small businesses across the country.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.