decimated

American  

[des-uh-mey-tid] / ˈdɛs əˌmeɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. greatly reduced in number or amount, or having suffered great loss or harm.

   The nonprofit agency has been struggling with a decimated staff and limited resources.

   After the massive earthquake, the only way to reach the decimated villages was by helicopter.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of decimate.

Etymology

Origin of decimated

decimate ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

In Tudor's defence, he took over a shell-shocked and struggling squad decimated by injuries and stripped of confidence.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

"On Iran, they are being decimated," Trump told reporters traveling with him.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

BERLIN—After strikes that decimated much of Iran’s leadership, the country’s top diplomat has become the chief messenger of a regime that says it won’t negotiate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

The blackouts and lack of jet fuel have decimated tourism, a key source of revenue.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

"Indeed! With my plague! Half of Europe was decimated by the Black Death, forcing society to evolve! If not for that, you would still be digging for roots, a serf forever bound to your master."

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda

Related Words

• annihilate
• exterminate
• obliterate
• slaughter
• wipe out