can be debilitating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be debilitating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the potential to cause severe physical or mental impairment. Example: "Chronic pain can be debilitating, affecting a person's ability to work and enjoy life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The cramping can be debilitating.

The New York Times - Sports

Even a psychological craving can be debilitating.

The Economist

And it can be debilitating.

Harvard University

The heat, the sun, can be debilitating.

The New York Times

Whatever the reason, stuttering can be debilitating.

The New York Times

Rarely fatal, it can be debilitating to those predisposed.

The New York Times - Health

For men with serious symptoms, testosterone deficiency can be debilitating.

The New York Times

Anxiety disorders can be debilitating for the elderly.

The New York Times

For patients with severe symptoms of the disease, psoriasis can be debilitating.

The New York Times

The stress of not knowing what tomorrow will bring can be debilitating.

The New Yorker

A long-term – and sometimes life long condition – mental illness can be debilitating in complex ways.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be debilitating", ensure the subject and context clearly indicate what aspect of life is being significantly impaired, such as physical health, mental well-being, or financial stability.

Common error

Avoid using "can be debilitating" as a vague descriptor. Provide specific details about how and why something is debilitating to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be debilitating" functions as a descriptor, indicating that something has the potential to cause significant weakening or impairment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and serves to highlight the potentially severe impact of a condition or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be debilitating" is a versatile and widely used expression to describe conditions or situations that have the potential to significantly impair one's ability to function effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound. Its prevalence across diverse contexts—from news and media to academic and scientific publications—underscores its importance in conveying the seriousness of various issues. When writing, remember to use the phrase with specific context to maximize clarity. While alternatives such as "can be crippling" and "can be overwhelming" exist, "can be debilitating" maintains a balance of formality and impact suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be crippling

This alternative suggests a severe limitation or impediment, often implying long-term or permanent damage.

can be overwhelming

This phrase indicates that something is too intense to manage, affecting mental or emotional well-being.

can be incapacitating

This suggests the inability to function normally, whether physically or mentally.

can be weakening

This implies a reduction in strength or effectiveness, making something less capable.

can be exhausting

This alternative highlights the draining effect on one's energy and resources.

can be ruinous

Suggests a catastrophic impact, leading to significant damage or destruction.

can be devastating

Emphasizes the profoundly damaging and distressing effects something can have.

can severely impair

Focuses on the significant reduction in function or ability due to a particular factor.

can significantly hinder

This alternative indicates that something can notably obstruct or delay progress.

can greatly undermine

Suggests that something can weaken the foundation or effectiveness of a thing.

FAQs

How can I use "can be debilitating" in a sentence?

You can use "can be debilitating" to describe something that has the potential to cause significant impairment, for example: "Chronic pain "can be debilitating", affecting daily life".

What are some alternatives to "can be debilitating"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives like "can be crippling", "can be overwhelming", or "can be incapacitating".

What makes something "can be debilitating"?

Something that "can be debilitating" has the potential to severely weaken or impair physical, mental, or emotional well-being, substantially reducing a person's ability to function normally.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "can be debilitating"?

The phrase "can be debilitating" is appropriate in various contexts, including discussions about health, mental health, and socioeconomic factors, to describe conditions or situations that significantly impair a person's quality of life or ability to function effectively.