Word
shattering
Phoneticsshat·ter·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃætɝɪŋ/
UK/ʃˈætəɹɪŋ/
Definition
adj. extremely upsetting or shocking. You use this to describe news or an event that makes you feel like your world is falling apart.
adj. causing extreme distress, shock, or exhaustion; having a devastating effect. Often used to describe emotional impact or physical fatigue.
Examples
“The news of the accident was shattering for the whole family.”
“After working a double shift at the hospital, she felt a sense of shattering exhaustion that made it hard to even speak.”
“The shattering realization that his lifelong research had been based on a flawed premise forced the professor to reconsider his entire academic legacy.”
Examples
simple
“The news of the accident was shattering for the whole family.”
contextual
“After working a double shift at the hospital, she felt a sense of shattering exhaustion that made it hard to even speak.”
complex
“The shattering realization that his lifelong research had been based on a flawed premise forced the professor to reconsider his entire academic legacy.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'feel', or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“The unmasked men bought tickets to the exhibition before shattering a glass display case with a hammer during opening hours on Thursday afternoon and making off with the diamond necklace.” “In 2015, an e-cigarette exploded in the face of a 29-year-old Colorado man, breaking his neck and shattering his teeth.” “It is shattering to think now that in Sen’s own country, children aren’t being told to look up to him.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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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