a devastating indictment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a devastating indictment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong criticism or accusation that reveals serious flaws or failures, often in a formal or serious context. Example: "The report served as a devastating indictment of the government's handling of the crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The authors' answer to that question and others amounts to a devastating indictment of both parties.

The New York Times

He says this report is a "devastating indictment" of government policy.

The Guardian

The committee report served as a devastating indictment of the agencies and their departing leader, George J. Tenet.

The New York Times

But when that finding is weighed against another from the professor's research, I can only conclude that the study is a devastating indictment of fund-industry inefficiency.

The New York Times

On one level this is a devastating indictment of a fraudulent journalist and flawed human being, one who made possibly too many compromises with a tawdry system.

The Guardian - Books

Writing in the Book Review, the veteran correspondent Robert Trumbull called it a "devastating indictment of American policy" and a "source of insight into the actual, day-by-day byplay of present titanic political struggle for Asia".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The Chilcot report is an unprecedented, devastating indictment of how a prime minister was allowed to make decisions by discarding all pretence at cabinet government, subverting the intelligence agencies, and making exaggerated claims about threats to Britain's national security.

The Guardian

But it's also a coolly devastating indictment of corruption that permeates every level of Russian society, from local government to the Orthodox church.

The Guardian - Film

Encina's film, balanced exquisitely between the concrete and the abstract, between the specific and the absolute, is a quietly devastating indictment of the eternal waste of youth as cannon fodder in this and all wars.

The New Yorker

That no one has found a way around them – not the African Union, not the UN, not the CAR – is a depressing, devastating indictment of humanity's ability to look after itself.

The Guardian

The Chilcot report provides an utterly devastating indictment of Tony Blair's preparations for and conduct of the Iraq war, the most lethal and grotesque aspect of his legacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a devastating indictment" when you want to convey a strong and comprehensive condemnation of something, suggesting severe flaws or failures have been revealed. Ensure the context aligns with the gravity of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a devastating indictment" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a weight and formality that is inappropriate for light or trivial matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a devastating indictment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes something—an event, a report, a person's actions—as being a severe and comprehensive condemnation, revealing significant flaws or failures. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a devastating indictment" is a powerful phrase used to express strong disapproval and highlight significant flaws or failures. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and frequent use in formal contexts such as news reports, academic writing, and professional analyses. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's best reserved for situations that warrant its gravity and avoid using it in informal communication. Related phrases like "a crushing condemnation" or "a severe critique" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. The most common usage appears within news media, solidifying its role in serious discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crushing condemnation

Replaces "indictment" with "condemnation", emphasizing moral disapproval.

a damning assessment

Uses "assessment" instead of "indictment", softening the legal implication and highlighting evaluation.

a severe critique

Substitutes "indictment" with "critique", focusing on detailed analysis and judgment.

a blistering attack

Replaces "devastating indictment" with a more aggressive and direct form of criticism.

a thorough condemnation

Highlights the completeness of the condemnation rather than the devastating impact.

a harsh denunciation

Focuses on the act of publicly declaring something wrong or evil.

a scathing rebuke

Emphasizes a sharp and critical disapproval.

a brutal critique

Highlights the harshness and unflinching nature of the analysis.

a sharp censure

Focuses on formal disapproval or reprimand.

a powerful censure

Emphasizes the strength and impact of the disapproval.

FAQs

How to use "a devastating indictment" in a sentence?

Use "a devastating indictment" to describe a strong criticism that reveals serious flaws or failures. For example: "The report served as "a devastating indictment" of the government's policies."

What can I say instead of "a devastating indictment"?

You can use alternatives like "a crushing condemnation", "a damning assessment", or "a severe critique" depending on the context.

What makes "a devastating indictment" different from other criticisms?

"A devastating indictment" implies a thorough and overwhelming condemnation, suggesting that the flaws revealed are significant and have far-reaching consequences. It's stronger than a simple critique or disapproval.

Is "a devastating indictment" appropriate for all types of writing?

No, "a devastating indictment" is best suited for formal writing, news reports, academic papers, or situations where a serious and comprehensive condemnation is warranted. Avoid using it in casual or informal contexts.