destruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'destruction' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the destruction of an object or idea. For example, "The destruction of the ancient ruins was a tragedy for the local community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Britain has never had a problem with the destructive bit of creative destruction.

The Guardian - Business

As well as whalers' harpoons, whales must navigate the dangers of ship strikes, entanglements in shipping nets and other ocean apparatus, disorientating man-made ocean noises, habitat destruction, resource exploitation, climate change and pollution.

The Guardian

Compare this pointless destruction with the US government's continued licensing of HSBC Compare this pointless destruction with the US government's continued licensing of HSBC.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to a story passed down for generations, a Dane was caught hiding in the cathedral after a raid and, as retribution for the destruction wrought by his countrymen, was flayed alive.

The Guardian - Travel

9.44pm Before44 Before we wrap up the blog, here's a link to Wednesday's Guardian front page story, which picks up on some important comments from the White House about UK security tactics - namely a demand for the destruction of hard drives containing material leaked by Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

The White House has distanced itself from Britain's handling of the leaked NSA documents when representatives said it would be difficult to imagine the US authorities following the example of Whitehall in demanding the destruction of media hard drives.

The Guardian

The official confirmed that, in the absence of handover or destruction, this was indeed the government's intention.

The Guardian

John Ware's Panorama in 2004, about the Today programme's reporting of what Dr David Kelly did or did not say about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, is the magnum opus of this genre, but there are many examples.

The Guardian - Opinion

Joker and Pyle get their nicknames...and Pyle's slow destruction starts when he can't stop smiling".

The Guardian - Film

He's bulletproof, he's fiery-eyed, and he's hellbent on destruction.

The Guardian

· In the past, you called on your followers to acquire weapons of mass destruction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts, use "destruction" to convey irreversible damage or ruin. For example, "the destruction of trust" or "the destruction of a political system."

Common error

Avoid using "destruction" when "damage" or "disruption" would be more appropriate. "Destruction" implies a complete or near-complete ruin, so reserve it for situations that warrant such a strong term.

Linguistic Context

The noun "destruction" primarily functions as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting the act or result of destroying something. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and suitable for describing objects or ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "destruction" is a commonly used noun that signifies the act or result of destroying something. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable term in written English. Its use spans various contexts, predominantly in news and media, but also in formal and scientific writings. It’s essential to use "destruction" when referring to complete or near-complete ruin, differentiating it from milder terms like "damage". Related words include "devastation" and "demolition", each carrying nuanced meanings. When writing, be mindful of the severity implied by "destruction" and choose it appropriately to convey the intended level of impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demolition

Focuses on the act of tearing down or dismantling structures.

devastation

Emphasizes the widespread damage and ruin caused by a destructive event.

annihilation

Implies complete obliteration or total ruin.

obliteration

Similar to annihilation, but can also refer to the removal of traces or evidence.

ruin

A state of decay or collapse, often implying a loss of value or function.

demise

Indicates the end or downfall of something, often used in a metaphorical sense.

wreckage

Refers to the remains of something that has been severely damaged or destroyed.

decimation

Implies a significant reduction or loss, often through destruction or killing.

dissolution

Describes the process of something breaking down or disintegrating.

breakdown

The act of falling apart or ceasing to function.

FAQs

How can "destruction" be used in a sentence?

You can use "destruction" to describe the act of destroying something, as in "The fire caused widespread "destruction" of property."

What words can I use instead of "destruction"?

Alternatives for "destruction" include "devastation", "demolition", or "annihilation", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the destruction of" or "destroying"?

The choice between "the destruction of" and "destroying" depends on the sentence structure. "The destruction of" is a noun phrase, while "destroying" is a verb form (gerund). Use the one that fits grammatically into your sentence.

What is the difference between "damage" and "destruction"?

"Damage" refers to harm or injury that impairs value or usefulness, while "destruction" implies a complete or almost complete ruin. "Destruction" is a more severe form of damage.