Word
devastation
Phoneticsdev·as·ta·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdɛvəˈsteɪʃən/
UK/dˌɛvəstˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. great destruction or damage that ruins a place. It can also describe the feeling of being very shocked and sad.
n. the state of being decayed or destroyed; severe and widespread damage. In an emotional context, refers to a state of overwhelming shock or grief.
Examples
“The storm caused total devastation in the small coastal town.”
“The local community struggled to recover from the devastation caused by the sudden closure of the factory.”
“Witnessing the environmental devastation of the rainforest first-hand prompted the scientist to dedicate her career to conservation law and sustainable development.”
Examples
simple
“The storm caused total devastation in the small coastal town.”
contextual
“The local community struggled to recover from the devastation caused by the sudden closure of the factory.”
complex
“Witnessing the environmental devastation of the rainforest first-hand prompted the scientist to dedicate her career to conservation law and sustainable development.”
Usage
Uncountable in its general sense; often used with the preposition 'of' to describe the cause.
Real-World Examples
“Miles of devastation were left behind in a flash flood that killed more than 300.” “Image caption, The devastation in Nepal and Tibet after flash floods on Wednesday is front and centre for the Guardian, which says the international community is "scrambling" to provide aid.” “People look at the devastation left by flash flooding in Nepal’s Nuwakot district.” Etymology
From Middle French dévastation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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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