completely devastated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely devastated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of extreme emotional distress or destruction, often in response to a significant loss or tragedy. Example: "After hearing the news of her friend's passing, she felt completely devastated and struggled to find the strength to carry on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are completely devastated.

The New York Times

"I was completely devastated".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm completely devastated," Mr. Rufino said.

The New York Times

We are all completely devastated," Laliberte said.

The Guardian

"It's an understatement to say that we are completely devastated.

Independent

We are all completely devastated with this news.

The New York Times

This result has left me completely devastated in many respects.

The Guardian - Sport

"We are completely devastated," said Hirschfield, 63, from London.

The Guardian

'When I came here I was completely devastated.

The Guardian

It's just humans who are completely devastated by it".

The Guardian

That morning, the resort was completely devastated by the tsunami.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "completely devastated", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. While it expresses a high degree of distress or destruction, choose more precise language if you aim to highlight particular aspects of the devastation (e.g., emotional impact, physical damage).

Common error

Avoid using "completely devastated" for minor inconveniences or disappointments. Its strength is best reserved for situations involving significant loss, trauma, or destruction. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely devastated" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It is used to describe the state of a noun, indicating that something or someone has been utterly destroyed or emotionally shattered. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely devastated" is a correct and very common adjective phrase used to express intense emotional distress or describe extreme destruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, predominantly appearing in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When using "completely devastated", ensure it aligns with the gravity of the situation to avoid sounding melodramatic, and consider more specific alternatives to highlight certain aspects of the devastation. Remember that alternatives like "utterly destroyed" or "absolutely crushed" provide similar but slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly destroyed

Emphasizes the extent of the damage or emotional impact.

absolutely crushed

Focuses on the feeling of being overwhelmed by sadness or disappointment.

totally heartbroken

Highlights the emotional pain and sorrow experienced.

entirely ruined

Suggests that something has been irreparably damaged or spoiled.

profoundly saddened

Indicates a deep and significant level of sorrow.

grievously affected

Emphasizes the negative impact and suffering caused.

deeply distressed

Highlights the state of extreme worry and unhappiness.

irreparably harmed

Suggests that the damage or loss is permanent and cannot be fixed.

left in ruins

Focuses on the aftermath of a destructive event or emotional blow.

shattered beyond repair

Conveys a sense of complete and irreversible destruction or emotional damage.

FAQs

How can I use "completely devastated" in a sentence?

You can use "completely devastated" to describe a state of extreme emotional distress or significant destruction. For example, "After losing the competition, she felt "completely devastated"" or "The town was "completely devastated" by the hurricane."

What are some alternatives to "completely devastated"?

Alternatives include "utterly destroyed", "absolutely crushed", or "totally heartbroken". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "completely devastated" in formal writing?

Yes, "completely devastated" can be appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing events or situations that warrant strong emotional or descriptive language. However, ensure that the tone is consistent with the overall formality of the piece.

What's the difference between "completely devastated" and "slightly disappointed"?

"Completely devastated" indicates a profound sense of loss or destruction, either emotionally or physically, while "slightly disappointed" suggests a mild level of dissatisfaction. The former is far more intense and should be reserved for significant events.