devastating
Americanadjective
-
tending or threatening to devastate.
a devastating fire.
-
satirical, ironic, or caustic in an effective way.
a devastating portrayal of society.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- devastatingly adverb
- undevastating adjective
- undevastatingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of devastating
First recorded in 1625–35; devastat(e) + -ing 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis doesn’t have to be the devastating blow that it once was.
She added, "The devastating loss of a child is beyond measure and this one was one of the loveliest there are."
From BBC
Last year, the singer joined Bruno Mars on the Crypto.com Arena stage to perform “California Dreamin’” in a touching tribute to Los Angeles after the devastating wildfires.
From Los Angeles Times
Once considered the weakest aspect of his game, it now bears a striking resemblance to Djokovic's rhythmic motion, from which the Serb produces devastating precision.
From BBC
“There was so much camaraderie and trust and love between the two of us. She understood that it was a major injury and it was devastating. It changed the path of our career.”
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
