# shattering

/ˈʃætɝɪŋ/ (US) · /ʃˈætəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shattering
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

extremely upsetting or shocking. You use this to describe news or an event that makes you feel like your world is falling apart.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'feel', or 'seem'.

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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.