brutal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brutal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is harsh, severe, or extremely difficult, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The competition was brutal, leaving many participants exhausted and demoralized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Read more: Guantánamo torturer led brutal Chicago regime of shackling and confession Bad lieutenant: American police brutality, exported from Chicago to Guantánamo Plus: How Chicago police condemned the innocent – a trail of coerced confessions Latest: Follow the Guardian's investigation into Chicago's Homan Square.

The Guardian

People all over the world have expressed horror at Saudi Arabia's brutal treatment of the blogger Raif Badawi.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said he was joining the rebels because of the "brutal" crackdown on dissent that has claimed the lives of thousands of Syrians.

The Guardian

As Syria's civil war has intensified, thousands of children have died in brutal attacks and many more have been injured, traumatised or forced to flee their homes.

The Guardian

It is a profound, complex letter, as brutal as it is tender, as Catholic as it is reformed, as conservative as it is radical.

The Guardian - Opinion

Behind the image, however, lies a very modern template for British sporting success – a combination of talent, brutal work ethic and the appliance of scientific method to performance that underpinned every triumph of the Olympic summer.

The Guardian

Ireland has just passed one of the most brutal, some would say most important, budgets in its history as an independent state.

The Guardian

A "callous and brutal" father who murdered his baby daughter by repeatedly biting, punching and shaking her has been jailed for life with a minimum of 22 years.

The Guardian

It's an awful, brutal way of controlling females that carries significant health risks and it needs to end.

The Guardian

The MP for Bromsgrove, who went to school with one of Sutcliffe's victims, called Mr Clarke's decision "grossly insensitive to the many families in West Yorkshire who are still grieving over the brutal deaths of their loved ones at the hands of this animal".

The Guardian

We must always remember that this brutal and tragic war laid the hand of death on every country in Europe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events or situations, use "brutal" to convey a sense of harshness and severity, especially when highlighting the negative impact on those involved. This word can add significant emotional weight to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "brutal" to describe situations that are merely unpleasant or difficult. Reserve it for truly harsh or severe circumstances to maintain its impact and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "brutal" primarily functions to qualify nouns, adding a layer of intensity and severity to their description. It is used to emphasize the harsh, cruel, or unrelenting nature of something, as Ludwig shows in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "brutal" is a powerful descriptor used to convey harshness, cruelty, or severity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media. While synonyms such as "cruel" and "vicious" exist, "brutal" often implies a higher degree of intensity. When using this word, it's important to reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong term to avoid diluting its impact. The numerous examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscore its prevalence in describing events and conditions that evoke a sense of harshness and severity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cruel

Emphasizes the intent to cause suffering or pain.

vicious

Highlights the savage and malicious nature of the action or behavior.

merciless

Focuses on the lack of compassion or pity.

ruthless

Stresses the lack of concern for the consequences of one's actions.

severe

Indicates a high degree of strictness or harshness.

harsh

Implies a lack of gentleness or consideration.

ferocious

Highlights the wild and untamed nature of the act.

callous

Emphasizes the insensitivity and indifference towards others' feelings.

inhumane

Stresses the lack of compassion and disregard for human dignity.

savage

Highlights the uncivilized and primitive nature of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "brutal" in a sentence?

You can use "brutal" to describe situations, actions, or conditions that are harsh, severe, or extremely difficult. For instance, "The competition was brutal" or "The regime was known for its brutal tactics".

What are some synonyms for "brutal"?

Alternatives to "brutal" include "cruel", "vicious", "merciless", and "ruthless". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "brutal" to describe weather?

Yes, "brutal" can be used to describe extremely harsh or severe weather conditions. For example, "The winter was brutal, with record-low temperatures and heavy snowfall".

What is the difference between "brutal" and "harsh"?

"Brutal" implies a greater degree of severity and often suggests violence or extreme cruelty. "Harsh" is a more general term for something unpleasant or difficult. A "harsh" winter might be unpleasant, but a "brutal" winter suggests life-threatening conditions.