a devastating consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a devastating consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a severe or harmful result of an action or event. Example: "The environmental disaster had a devastating consequence on the local wildlife population."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Bed sores can be a devastating consequence for people already immobilised as a result of disease or accidental spinal injury.

The Guardian

PHN is a devastating consequence of HZ that significantly affects patient quality of life.

Clinical interventions in aging

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head, the humeral head, or the tibial knee surface is a devastating consequence of Gaucher disease.

Acta Orthopaedica

These events have a devastating consequence on tissue and organ homeostasis at both the cellular and organismal level [ 6, 7].

Aging

14 Suicide is a devastating consequence for the individual, their families and mental health professionals, but it is also relatively rare.

BMJ Open

This conflict can escalate poverty, increase disease spread, put people at risk from emerging zoonotic disease epidemics, and sometimes results in people killing or injuring wildlife —a devastating consequence for critically endangered species such as mountain gorillas.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Rain will also be a potentially devastating consequence of the storm with between eight and 12 inches of expected across a wide area.

Independent

Thereby, the cumulative exposure to traumatic experiences, especially when event types vary, seems to have a potentially devastating consequence for mental health, [ 6, 4- 13], probably because the exposure to varying types of stressors is particularly powerful to enlarge the fear network [ 14].

Conflict and Health

Despite treatment of the underlying condition(s), refractory breathlessness is a common, devastating consequence of diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer and heart failure. 1 2 Headway has been made in the delineation of peripheral pathways and sensory afferent sources of respiratory sensation.

BMJ Open

Suicide is a rare but devastating consequence of PND.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Such commercial efforts to mainstream prostitution are a disturbing trend in a movement with devastating consequences, particularly for young women and girls.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a devastating consequence", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause-and-effect relationship. The phrase is most impactful when the severity of the consequence is significant and readily apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "a devastating consequence" for minor or insignificant outcomes. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility. Reserve it for truly severe and damaging results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a devastating consequence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It describes a significantly negative result or outcome. As Ludwig AI states, it's appropriate and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a devastating consequence" is a noun phrase used to describe a significantly negative and harmful outcome. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in English. While relatively rare, its use is appropriate in formal contexts, particularly in scientific and news reporting where emphasizing the severity of results is important. The phrase is best employed when the outcome is truly severe, avoiding overuse to maintain its impact. Alternative phrases include "a catastrophic outcome" or "a ruinous effect", which can provide nuanced ways to express similar meanings. Ensure a clear cause-and-effect relationship when using the phrase to maximize its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a catastrophic outcome

Emphasizes the disastrous and complete nature of the result.

a calamitous result

Highlights the disastrous and tragic aspect of the consequence.

a ruinous effect

Focuses on the destructive and damaging nature of the impact.

a dire repercussion

Stresses the serious and urgent nature of the resulting effect.

a tragic aftermath

Highlights the sorrowful and grievous events following an event.

a grievous fallout

Emphasizes the painful and severe consequences.

a disastrous ramification

Focuses on the far-reaching and destructive implications.

a severe implication

Highlights the serious and significant impact.

a detrimental effect

Focuses on the harmful and damaging aspect of the outcome.

a harmful result

A general term indicating a negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "a devastating consequence" in a sentence?

Use "a devastating consequence" to describe a severe and harmful outcome resulting from a particular action or event. For example, "The environmental disaster had "a devastating consequence" on the local wildlife population".

What phrases are similar to "a devastating consequence"?

Alternatives include "a catastrophic outcome", "a calamitous result", or "a ruinous effect", each emphasizing different aspects of the severity of the result.

Is it appropriate to use "a devastating consequence" in formal writing?

Yes, "a devastating consequence" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a significantly negative outcome. It is often used in scientific, news, and formal business contexts.

What is the difference between "a devastating consequence" and "a negative consequence"?

"A devastating consequence" implies a much greater degree of severity and impact than "a negative consequence". Use "a devastating consequence" when the result is extremely harmful or destructive.