deadly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'deadly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is very severe, dangerous or fatal, such as a disease, weapon or accident. For example: "The deadly virus spread quickly and caused many casualties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As Madden explains, a combination of factors including the risk of deploying reporters to a far away country dealing with a mysterious deadly virus, meant editors were reluctant to cover the story.

The Guardian

The archbishop's address followed new research which showed that the last two years were the most deadly and dangerous period for journalists in recent history.

The Guardian

Accordingly, he wrapped his outburst of deadly rage in an Isis flag, and claimed he was acting on behalf of the caliphate.

The Guardian

Their squawking, cruel faces and white-streaked bombing runs had me devising a deadly version of the seaside amusement arcade's shooting gallery.

The Guardian - Travel

Snow, in this poem, is merciless and deadly: the lonely Lucy Gray, who wanders out into an unexpected blizzard, gets lost and is never seen again.

The Guardian - Books

It tells the story of the navy Seal Chris Kyle, the most deadly sniper in US history who was shot dead at a Texas gun range in 2013.

The Guardian - Film

The Spanish nurse who contracted Ebola after caring for two repatriated missionaries appears to have overcome the deadly disease, health authorities said on Sunday.

The Guardian

A "use of deadly force" review board and an external review committee found that officer David Kelley violated police policy when he opened fire.

The Guardian

But experts warned against any premature declaration of victory, with the militants still proving capable of carrying out deadly hit-and-run strikes and indications of coalition lapses.

The Guardian

An international report has found that Ukrainian investigations into the deadly clashes that took place during the 2013-14 Euromaidan protests in Kiev have failed to hold law enforcement officials to account.

The Guardian

Nick Martlew, senior conflict and humanitarian advocacy adviser at Save the Children, said: "We're already seeing an impact on children's health, with increasing numbers suffering from conditions such as diarrhoea, hepatitis A and upper respiratory tract infections – all of which can be deadly if left untreated.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deadly", ensure the context clearly conveys the potential for causing death or severe harm. Avoid using it in contexts where the severity is less significant, as it can create unnecessary alarm.

Common error

Avoid using "deadly" as a mere intensifier. While it can sometimes be used to describe something extremely boring or excellent, these usages are informal and can dilute the impact of the word in serious contexts. Opt for more precise adjectives that accurately reflect the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deadly" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a high potential for causing death or severe harm. Ludwig shows various examples, primarily within news contexts, where "deadly" describes threats or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deadly" functions primarily as an adjective to denote a high risk of causing death or severe harm. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, especially in news and media contexts to emphasize the severity of events or situations. While it can be used informally, it's best reserved for contexts where its literal meaning is appropriate. Remember to avoid overusing "deadly" as a general intensifier; precise language strengthens your writing. The related phrases like "lethal", "fatal", and "dangerous" offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lethal

Refers specifically to the capacity to cause death.

fatal

Emphasizes the inevitability of death as a consequence.

mortal

Indicates something that can cause death or relates to mortality.

life-threatening

Specifically indicates a situation or condition that could result in death.

dangerous

Implies a risk of harm or injury, not necessarily death.

virulent

Describes something extremely infectious, poisonous, or harsh.

pernicious

Suggests a gradual and subtle but ultimately destructive effect.

destructive

Highlights the capacity to cause significant damage or ruin.

devastating

Indicates widespread destruction or overwhelming impact.

grievous

Signifies something causing great sorrow, pain, or suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "deadly" in a sentence?

You can use "deadly" to describe something that causes or is capable of causing death. For example, "The "deadly virus" spread rapidly" or "That snake's venom is "deadly poison"".

What are some alternatives to "deadly"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "lethal", "fatal", "dangerous", or "life-threatening".

Is it correct to use "deadly" to describe something that is not literally life-threatening?

While "deadly" primarily means capable of causing death, it can be used informally to describe something extremely boring or, conversely, exceptionally good. However, this usage is less common and should be used with caution to avoid misinterpretation.

What is the difference between "deadly" and "dangerous"?

"Deadly" specifically implies the potential to cause death, whereas "dangerous" indicates a risk of harm or injury, which may not necessarily be fatal. A "deadly" weapon is capable of killing, while a "dangerous" situation might only lead to injury.