devastate
verb (used with object)
to lay waste; render desolate.
had been devastating
-
past perfect progressiveof devastate.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Carrie Jenkins said the loss of her husband had been "devastating".
From BBC ● Jun. 11, 2026
He said telling their three-year-old that "mummy was not coming home" had been "devastating".
From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2025
Cllr Paul Gallagher said that Mr Holmes died in "very tragic circumstances" and that his death had been "devastating" for the family.
From BBC ● Feb. 8, 2025
Mr Lee added that his positive diagnosis had been "devastating", but that getting the test when he did meant it was "caught in time".
From BBC ● Feb. 7, 2025
The loss had been devastating to both Yuko and Kathy.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
