ENGLISH
REFERENCE

totaled

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtoʊtəɫd// to·taled

adj. damaged so badly that it would cost more to fix than it is worth. You use this most often when talking about cars after an accident.

adj. damaged beyond the point of economical repair, typically in the context of a motor vehicle insurance claim. Often used predicatively after a linking verb.


SIMPLE

My car was totaled in the crash last week.

CONTEXTUAL

The insurance adjuster confirmed that the vehicle was totaled because the frame was bent beyond repair.

COMPLEX

Even though the engine still runs, the structural damage to the chassis means the car is officially totaled and will be sold for parts.

Synonyms
Usage

Typically follows a linking verb like 'is', 'was', or 'became'.

Pitfall

The car totaled.The car was totaled.When describing the state of the car, use the passive form with 'be' rather than the active verb.

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