crushing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crushing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of applying force to something until it breaks or is severely damaged, or to express strong emotions, such as infatuation or disappointment. Example: "After the game, the team's crushing defeat left the players feeling disheartened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rather than crushing the party to his right, Orbán has helped it grow.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now he will be hoping that promotion for his beloved Norwich FC will provide solace for a crushing and very personal defeat.

The Guardian

After 53 minutes he claimed a hat-trick, crushing a shot from distance that deflected off Depay and went in off the post.

The Guardian - Sport

To pass the easiest maths entrance exam, children need to be level 5 mathematicians at the start of year 6, which puts crushing pressure on them.

The Guardian

They had just sat through nearly four hours of a delightful hors d'oeuvre in the first semi-final, Wawrinka, Roger Federer's conqueror in the last eight, finally crushing their hero, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets.

The Guardian - Sport

Police said the injuries were all thought to be the result of crushing.

The Guardian

Santorum's success in Iowa has, as widely predicted, brought with it a microscopic examination of his career as a politician and on his career outside Washington following his crushing defeat in the 2006 elections.

The Guardian

The maths are still not horribly unfavourable but Ireland's gut feeling must be of crushing disappointment.

The Guardian - Sport

Warren Weinstein, 73, was killed in a January drone strike on an al-Qaida compound in Pakistan, the White House revealed on Thursday, crushing his family's hopes that he might be freed after more than three years as a hostage.

The Guardian

He cut his teeth on the "cruel and merciless employer" role in George Huang's 1995 comedy, putting Frank Whaley's Guy through his paces in a new job, and snarling through crushing putdowns that would drive the average person to a quiet cry in the office loos.

The Guardian - Film

"The fairy tale became a nightmare for the Azzurri" is how Gazzetta dello Sport describes the crushing defeat for Prandelli's men.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crushing" to describe an emotional state, ensure it accurately conveys the intensity and depth of the feeling. For example, "crushing disappointment" is stronger than "slight disappointment".

Common error

Avoid using "crushing" too casually in everyday conversation. Its intensity can sound melodramatic or insincere in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

"Crushing" primarily functions as an adjective or a verb (present participle). As an adjective, it modifies nouns to describe something that is overwhelming or devastating. As a verb (present participle), it indicates the ongoing action of applying intense pressure or force, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Crushing" is a versatile term used to describe overwhelming force or intense emotional impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can function as an adjective or a verb, typically conveying a sense of severity or finality. It is frequently found in news and media, often describing defeats or disappointments. While generally acceptable, be mindful of overusing it in informal contexts where its intensity might seem out of place. Alternatives such as "devastating" or "overwhelming" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devastating

Implies severe damage or destruction, often with emotional impact, making it a suitable alternative when emphasizing the negative consequences.

overwhelming

Suggests an effect that is too powerful to resist or overcome, highlighting the magnitude of impact.

squashing

Emphasizes the act of suppressing or forcefully putting an end to something.

subduing

Focuses on bringing someone or something under control, often through force or dominance.

defeating decisively

Highlights a clear and unambiguous victory, emphasizing the extent of the loss for the opposing side.

annihilating

Indicates complete destruction or obliteration, suggesting a total and irreversible outcome.

suppressing completely

Focuses on the total prevention or elimination of something, often implying a forceful effort.

overpowering

Suggests an imbalance of strength or influence, where one force dominates the other.

vanquishing

Implies a triumphant defeat of an opponent, often in a competitive or combative context.

obliterating

Indicates complete removal or erasure, leaving no trace behind.

FAQs

What does "crushing" mean?

"Crushing" can describe something that is overwhelming or devastating, either physically or emotionally. It also describes the act of applying enough force to damage something.

How can I use "crushing" in a sentence?

You can use "crushing" to describe a defeat, like in "a crushing defeat", or an emotional feeling, as in "crushing disappointment".

What are some synonyms for "crushing"?

Alternatives to "crushing" include "devastating", "overwhelming", or "squashing", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a crushing win"?

While less common, "a crushing win" can be used to describe a victory that is overwhelming and decisive. However, "a decisive victory" might be a clearer alternative.