Meaning & use
devastating
Causing severe shock, damage, or emotional distress; extremely harmful or destructive in its effect.
See it in a sentence
The earthquake had a devastating effect on the small coastal village and its harbor.
Losing her job so suddenly was devastating news for the whole family.
A note on using this word
Devastating can describe physical destruction, like a storm, or emotional impact, like grief, and is often intensified with 'absolutely.'
Words with a similar meaning
catastrophiccrushing
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Make it your own
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