completely devastating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely devastating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes total destruction or overwhelming emotional pain. Example: "The news of the disaster was completely devastating for the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Unfortunately, due to financial problems, I was unable to complete a second semester which was completely devastating.

Huffington Post

The growing tension is expertly handled; the ending unsurprising yet completely devastating.

The Guardian - Books

"Imagining what that must have been like to go through over and over again is completely devastating.

The New York Times - Arts

"It could've been just a completely devastating career-ending type of experience, and, instead, he showed the courage and the fortitude to reinvent himself".

The New Yorker

He has had two reoccurrences and lives with side effects such as poor sight, which prevents him from driving and no sense of smell; "completely devastating for a self-confessed foodie".

The Guardian

"Clearly there is elevated pressure every day to take land out of the program, but it would be completely devastating to wildlife," said Dave Nomsen, vice president of governmental affairs for Pheasants Forever, an advocacy group.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"So that headline in the newspaper was completely, totally devastating for her and there is nothing I can say that can ever repair that," he said.

The New York Times

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely devastating" to emphasize the totality of destruction or emotional impact. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the phrase; reserve it for situations where the consequences are truly severe.

Common error

Avoid using "completely devastating" for trivial or minor inconveniences. This diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic. Choose milder terms for less significant situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely devastating" functions as an intensifier (completely) followed by an adjective (devastating). As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard grammatical structure used to strongly emphasize the degree of devastation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely devastating" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a high degree of destruction or emotional distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, its structure follows standard grammatical rules. It finds frequent use in News & Media. While applicable in various contexts, including informal settings, caution should be exercised to avoid overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives such as "utterly catastrophic" or "absolutely crushing" can offer nuanced variations. The phrase is considered valid and useful for expressing strong negative impacts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly catastrophic

Emphasizes the disastrous nature of the event, similar to "completely devastating" but with a focus on the scale of the disaster.

totally ruinous

Highlights the destructive impact, suggesting something has been irreparably damaged, much like "completely devastating".

absolutely crushing

Focuses on the overwhelming emotional impact, akin to being "completely devastating" on a personal level.

thoroughly heartbreaking

Specifies the emotional response, conveying a sense of profound sadness and loss similar to a "completely devastating" experience.

entirely shattering

Implies a complete breakdown or destruction of something, mirroring the sense of total devastation.

wholly calamitous

Presents the event as a major disaster, aligning with the severe implications of something being "completely devastating".

extremely tragic

Emphasizes the sadness and misfortune associated with the event, a key aspect of something "completely devastating".

incredibly destructive

Highlights the damaging effects, whether physical or emotional, similar to the impact of something "completely devastating".

exceptionally grievous

Conveys a deep sense of sorrow and suffering, akin to the emotional weight of something "completely devastating".

mortally wounding

Suggests a deep and lasting impact, often emotional, comparable to the long-term effects of something "completely devastating".

FAQs

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

You can use "completely devastating" to describe events or situations that cause significant damage or emotional distress. For example, "The news of the company's bankruptcy was "completely devastating" for its employees".

What are some alternatives to "completely devastating"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "utterly catastrophic", "absolutely crushing", or "thoroughly heartbreaking" to express a similar sentiment.

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

While "completely devastating" is acceptable in formal writing, consider the specific tone and audience. In some cases, a more restrained or precise term might be preferable to maintain objectivity. Review the surrounding context.

What's the difference between "completely devastating" and "somewhat disappointing"?

"Completely devastating" describes a situation with a severe negative impact, causing significant distress or destruction. "Somewhat disappointing"/s/somewhat+disappointing, on the other hand, refers to a mild level of dissatisfaction and carries far less weight. The two phrases are not interchangeable.