devastate
verb (used with object)
to lay waste; render desolate.
is devastating
-
present progressiveof devastate (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
Financial literacy just hit a 10-year low — and it is devastating bank accounts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
He said when searches are unsuccessful it is "devastating" for him and his team.
From BBC ● May 26, 2026
Former officials said the sudden loss of that many colleagues is devastating to the sensitive, granular work of preventing attacks.
From Salon ● Apr. 22, 2026
Feeling like this milestone was within reach, only to have it slip away because of the pressure you’re being put under to choose another property, is devastating.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 3, 2026
His scorn for boys who give a hoot about how they look is devastating.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
