definitely devastated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitely devastated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of sadness or emotional pain, often in response to a significant loss or disappointment. Example: "After hearing the news of her passing, I was definitely devastated and struggled to cope with the loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Definitely devastated.

The Guardian - Tech

definitely devastated" at the plans being made public ahead of time.

The Guardian - Tech

"I was definitely devastated," he said, "but … I knew what I had to do to work again".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He said he hoped that next time he saw a billboard starring a man in a wheelchair, "he won't be depressed and he definitely won't be devastated".

The Guardian

San Francisco Manager Dusty Baker, who would not call the loss devastating, definitely could have used that word.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are definitely expecting a devastating effect not only on labour availability and capacity but we are also talking about farms being abandoned by people running away from the epicentres and going to areas that don't have the disease," Mr Sesay added.

BBC

I was devastated".Well, your road might be north Holloway, but mine is definitely Crouch End Borders," I say.

Independent

At first, I was devastated, thinking she meant I was fat – until Anita, astonished, explained that the phrase, in German, was definitely a compliment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'll be devastated, absolutely devastated".

Independent

Utterly devastated.

Independent

Totally devastated".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitely devastated" to express a strong feeling of disappointment or grief, particularly when emphasizing the certainty of the emotion. For impactful writing, follow with specific reasons for the devastation.

Common error

Avoid using "definitely devastated" for minor inconveniences. The phrase carries significant emotional weight and is most effective when describing genuinely impactful or tragic events. Overusing it can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitely devastated" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, expressing a state of being. The adverb "definitely" intensifies the adjective "devastated", indicating a high degree of emotional distress. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage, showcasing its role in conveying strong feelings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitely devastated" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase used to express a strong feeling of sadness or emotional pain. While Ludwig indicates its usage is relatively uncommon, the phrase is found in reliable news sources and can effectively convey the intensity of one's emotional state. It's essential to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations that warrant such strong emotion to avoid diluting its impact. Consider using alternative phrases like "absolutely crushed" or "utterly heartbroken" for nuanced expressions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity, underscoring its effectiveness in conveying deep emotional distress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positively devastated

Similar to the original phrase but replaces "definitely" with "positively" to emphasize certainty.

certainly heartbroken

Similar to the original phrase but replaces "definitely" with "certainly" to emphasize the feeling.

absolutely crushed

Emphasizes the feeling of being utterly defeated or disheartened, suggesting a complete loss of hope.

utterly heartbroken

Highlights the emotional pain and sorrow, focusing on the breaking of one's heart.

unquestionably crushed

Similar to the original phrase but replaces "definitely" with "unquestionably" to emphasize a state of being utterly defeated.

completely shattered

Suggests a state of being broken into pieces, emphasizing the severity of the emotional damage.

totally grief-stricken

Specifically relates to the feeling of deep sorrow caused by a loss, emphasizing the intensity of grief.

thoroughly despondent

Indicates a state of low spirits and hopelessness, emphasizing a prolonged period of sadness.

genuinely inconsolable

Implies an inability to be comforted or consoled, highlighting the depth of the sadness.

truly crestfallen

Captures the sense of disappointment and dejection, emphasizing the loss of pride or confidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "definitely devastated" to express a strong feeling of sadness or disappointment. For example, "After losing the competition, I was definitely devastated.".

What can I say instead of "definitely devastated"?

You can use alternatives like "absolutely crushed", "utterly heartbroken", or "completely shattered" depending on the context.

Is "definitely devastated" a formal or informal expression?

"Definitely devastated" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and formal contexts when expressing strong emotion. The appropriateness depends more on the situation than the setting.

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

"Definitely devastated" expresses a strong feeling of sadness or loss, while "slightly disappointed" indicates a mild feeling of dissatisfaction. The former is used for significant setbacks, the latter for minor ones.