critically damaged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'critically damaged' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or item that has been severely damaged, especially beyond the point of repair. For example, "The car was critically damaged in the accident and had to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"They've critically damaged the coalition that has run this Board for the last year.

The New York Times

The intrinsic apoptotic pathway becomes activated when cells are critically damaged.

Bone Cancer Progression and Therapeutic Approaches

Relations with the West, though strained by recent events in Tibet, have not been critically damaged.

The Economist

I may be going out on limb here, but I think his reputation and authority might be critically damaged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some aerospace experts speculate that the debris, about the size of a briefcase, could have critically damaged the left wing.

The New York Times

A piece of insulating foam that fell off the tank during launch hit and critically damaged Columbia's wing.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

He was not so circumspect earlier, when he made a series of daily attacks on one of the candidates, Mr. Hevesi, which many Democrats believe were critically damaging.

The New York Times

As a result, both countries overdrew the water that was available, critically damaging the environment and their own long-term water security.

Harvard University

While the debate will probably not be critically damaging to Mr. Perry, his odds of upending Mr. Romney have continued to lengthen.

The New York Times

The move follows research that showed strikes by drones of more than 400g could critically damage helicopter windscreens, while a bigger drone of about 2kg could critically harm airliner windscreens at higher speeds.

The Guardian - Tech

An £8bn fall in projected revenues from the UK's oil and gas industry could critically damage Scotland's chances of surviving as a viable independent state, it was claimed last night.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critically damaged", ensure the context clearly indicates what is damaged and the severity of the damage. For example, specify if a "critically damaged" component is beyond repair or poses an immediate safety risk.

Common error

Avoid using "critically damaged" for minor or superficial damage. The phrase implies a severe impact, and overuse dilutes its meaning. Choose more accurate descriptors for less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critically damaged" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate that it has sustained severe harm or impairment. As indicated by Ludwig, it conveys a significant level of destruction or malfunction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "critically damaged" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that has been severely harmed or impaired. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility in various contexts. It appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources. When using the phrase, ensure the severity of the damage aligns with its implication. Avoid overusing it for minor damage and consider alternatives to maintain clarity. "Critically damaged" effectively conveys the gravity of a situation, providing essential information about the extent of the damage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severely impaired

Emphasizes the functional reduction or deficiency caused by the damage.

gravely harmed

Highlights the seriousness and potential long-term consequences of the damage.

irreparably harmed

Focuses on the impossibility of repairing or reversing the damage.

fatally wounded

Implies damage that leads to destruction or failure, often used metaphorically.

badly compromised

Stresses the weakening or undermining of structural integrity due to the damage.

seriously compromised

Stresses the weakening or undermining of something due to damage, similar to "badly compromised" but with slightly greater emphasis.

extensively ruined

Highlights the widespread nature and devastating impact of the damage.

substantially impaired

Similar to "severely impaired" but perhaps slightly less intense, indicating a significant reduction in functionality.

majorly affected

Indicates significant negative impact due to the damage.

heavily impacted

Focuses on the forceful effect of the damage, highlighting its intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "critically damaged" in a sentence?

You can use "critically damaged" to describe something severely harmed or impaired. For instance, "The engine was critically damaged after the accident" or "The storm left the infrastructure critically damaged".

What are some alternatives to "critically damaged"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "severely impaired", "gravely harmed", or "irreparably harmed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "critically and severely damaged"?

While not strictly incorrect, saying "critically and severely damaged" can be redundant. "Critically damaged" already implies a high degree of severity. Consider using just one of the terms for conciseness.

Can "critically damaged" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "critically damaged" can be used metaphorically to describe non-physical entities, such as a reputation or a relationship. For example, "The scandal left his reputation critically damaged."