bombed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “bombed” is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been bombed or destroyed, or to describe a situation in which something did not turn out well. For example: “He bombed the job interview and didn’t get the job.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But it is not the first time journalists have been deliberately targeted: Serb television was bombed during the Kosovo conflict because it was seen as an agent and advocate of state terrorism.

The Guardian

"What keeps you motivated to fight and go on?" Referring to barrel bombs widely used in Syria, he replies: "When you see a little girl killed by barrels or an old man crying cuz his house was bombed".

The Guardian

Directed by Xiao Feng and set in 1943, the film explores the plight of the people of Chongqing as they are bombed by the Japanese.

The Guardian - Film

An anonymous caller phoned the public broadcaster while the first episode of The Thirty Cases of Major Zeman was being shown on Thursday to warn it that it would be bombed unless the reruns were discontinued.

The Guardian

Audiences, who would usually watch this sort of trash while hungover or unable to find the remote, or both, wisely stayed away and the film bombed.

The Guardian - Film

Syrian air force planes bombed targets in the northern city of Aleppo yesterday, killing 15 people, including three children from one family, according to opposition sources.

The Guardian

Nato's intervention in 1999 saw Belgrade bombed back to the negotiating table, ending its effective control over all but a fraction of Kosovo.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Ahhh The Queen photo-bombed our selfie!! #sheevensmiled #amazing" "It's a very competitive division.

The Guardian - Sport

China love-bombed the Seychelles and Mauritius with presidential visits in 2007 and 2009 respectively.

The Economist

This area remains one of the most bombed provinces in Vietnam, where foreign bomb-disposal teams are still working to remove ordinance.

The Economist

Rebels were closing in on government soldiers who were trapped in bombed-out ruins and running out of food and supplies after more than a week under siege.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events, be specific about who carried out the bombing and the target, providing context for clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "bombed" casually to describe failures outside of literal bombing events. While it can be used metaphorically (e.g., "the movie bombed"), overuse dilutes its impact and can sound insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bombed" is as the past participle of the verb "bomb". It is used in passive constructions to describe something that has been subjected to a bombing attack, or, metaphorically, to describe something that has failed spectacularly. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is correct and verifiable with examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Film

10%

Sport

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bombed" functions primarily as the past participle of the verb "bomb", denoting an action involving explosives or a metaphorical failure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It frequently appears in news and media, often in a neutral register, while metaphorical uses may adopt a more informal tone. Related terms include "attacked" and "destroyed", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using "bombed", writers should be mindful of the context and potential sensitivities, especially when employing it metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struck by a bomb

More descriptive and less concise than "bombed", explicitly mentioning the agent of destruction.

attacked

Focuses on the act of initiating hostility, often implying physical violence, broader than aerial bombardment.

shelled

Implies continuous artillery fire rather than a single bombing event.

destroyed

Emphasizes the resulting state of ruin, encompassing various causes beyond just bombing.

blasted

Highlights the force and impact of an explosion, not necessarily from aerial attacks.

ravaged

Suggests widespread damage and devastation over a large area.

raided

Implies a sudden and often surprise attack, differing from sustained bombing campaigns.

struck

Indicates a hit or impact, lacking the explosive connotation of "bombed".

assaulted

Broad term for a violent attack, applicable to various forms of aggression beyond aerial bombing.

obliterated

Emphasizes complete and utter destruction, surpassing the typical damage from bombing.

FAQs

How is "bombed" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "bombed" is used to describe a place or object that has been attacked with bombs, for example, "The city was heavily "bombed" during the war".

What are some alternatives to using "bombed" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "attacked", "shelled", or "destroyed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "bombed" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "bombed" metaphorically when something fails spectacularly or unexpectedly, such as "The comedian's act "bombed" with the audience". However, consider the sensitivity of the topic.

What's the difference between saying something was "bombed" vs. "struck by a bomb"?

"Bombed" is more concise and implies a sustained attack, while "struck by a bomb" is more descriptive and suggests a single incident or impact.