devastate
verb (used with object)
to lay waste; render desolate.
has been devastating
-
present perfect progressiveof devastate (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
The effect on Springfield, Ohio’s Haitian community has been devastating.
From Slate ● Sep. 9, 2026
The plunge in Chinese drinking has been devastating for winemakers around the world, who had come to rely on China as consumers elsewhere, including in Europe, drink less.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 24, 2026
The impact of that loss has been devastating on Jaidyn's friends and family.
From BBC ● Jan. 27, 2026
Those who depended on Broad Green say the closure has been devastating, with many using the phrase "home" to describe what this single-storey building meant to them.
From BBC ● Mar. 17, 2025
To be sure, the onslaught has been devastating to both groups.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 12, 2025
