Devastation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Devastation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of severe destruction or damage, often in the context of natural disasters or significant loss. Example: "The hurricane left a path of devastation across the coastal towns, destroying homes and displacing families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The devastation wrought by the impact almost certainly explains the sudden death of the land-based dinosaurs, according to fresh analysis of the latest data.

The Guardian

In such moments natural beauty becomes a kind of devastation – it is pure encounter, too compressed in time and space to be properly contained.

The Guardian - Books

For many, Easington is shorthand for the devastation wreaked by Thatcher on whole industries and communities.

The Guardian

Even with the polls pointing to electoral devastation, Labor's aversion to its former leader was so strong, it did not support him in two previous ballots - one in February 2012 that he lost 71 to 31 and one in March 2013 when he didn't even stand.

The Guardian

An environmental devastation has been produced by the ceaseless pursuit of profit from data-mining in every legal way imaginable.

The Guardian - Tech

The International Monetary Fund estimate of a 5.5% decline in gross domestic product this year looks wildly optimistic given hyper-inflation and the devastation caused to the eastern half of the country.

The Guardian

We expected the devastation of antiquities and it hasn't happened.

The Guardian

It also represented the serious anger many feel about cuts to universities as they currently stand, and the ideological devastation of the education system if the coalition gets its way.

The Guardian - Opinion

1.00pm BSyria AnalysisAnalysis produced by the American Association for the Advancement of Science AAASS) in collaboration with the Science for Human Rights program of Amnesty International has revealed the extent of the devastation in Syria's largest city, Aleppo.

The Guardian

The artist made a film to go alongside the works, documenting the devastation wrought by Israeli militia and bombing campaigns.

The Guardian - Arts

The agency blames the network for 20% of the deforestation in Brazil's Amazon in recent years, though the statement issued on Monday did not provide the estimated scale of the devastation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devastation" to describe situations involving significant destruction, damage, and often emotional impact, particularly in contexts like natural disasters, war, or widespread economic hardship.

Common error

Avoid using "devastation" to describe minor inconveniences or setbacks; reserve it for truly catastrophic events to maintain its impact and avoid hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "devastation" is as a noun. It refers to the state of being devastated or the act of devastating. Ludwig examples show it used to describe the impact of events like natural disasters, war, or economic crises.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devastation" functions as a noun to describe severe destruction or damage, often in the context of significant events. As Ludwig AI points out, the term is grammatically correct and widely used, predominantly in news and media. It conveys a sense of profound impact and is best reserved for truly catastrophic situations. Related terms include "cataclysm" and "destruction", but "devastation" often carries a stronger emotional weight. When writing, be mindful of the potential for overuse and choose alternative words like "ruin" or "desolation" for less severe cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Destruction

A general term for the act of ruining or demolishing something, lacking the emotional weight of "devastation".

Cataclysm

Refers to a violent upheaval or disaster, often on a large scale, implying sudden and widespread destruction.

Ruin

Implies a state of decay or destruction, often suggesting a gradual process leading to a complete loss.

Havoc

Suggests widespread disorder and confusion caused by a destructive event.

Calamity

Refers to an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster.

Annihilation

Denotes complete destruction or obliteration, leaving nothing intact.

Desolation

Highlights the emotional impact of devastation, emphasizing the emptiness and loneliness left behind.

Wreckage

Focuses on the physical remains or debris resulting from a destructive event.

Tragedy

Emphasizes the sorrowful and calamitous nature of an event, often involving loss of life.

Demolition

Implies a deliberate act of destruction, often for construction or safety purposes.

FAQs

How is "devastation" typically used in a sentence?

"Devastation" is generally used as a noun to describe a state of extreme damage or destruction, as in, "The flood caused widespread "devastation"".

What words can I use instead of "devastation"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "devastation" include "destruction", "ruin", "desolation", or "catastrophe".

Is there a difference between "devastation" and "destruction"?

"Devastation" often implies a greater level of severity and emotional impact compared to "destruction". While destruction simply means to ruin something, devastation suggests widespread ruin and suffering.

Can "devastation" be used in a positive context?

No, "devastation" is almost exclusively used in negative contexts to describe severe damage or destruction. There are very few, if any, scenarios where it would be appropriate in a positive sense.