devastating blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devastating blow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant and harmful impact or setback, often in emotional, physical, or metaphorical contexts. Example: "The news of the company's bankruptcy was a devastating blow to the employees who had dedicated years of their lives to the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 1985 Lindsay contracted leukaemia, and died, a devastating blow.

The Guardian

Union leaders called the news a devastating blow for staff.

The Guardian - Business

His season was over before it even began, a devastating blow to the Angels' middling offense.

The New York Times

The royalists remain triumphant and working people are absorbing blow after devastating blow.

The New York Times

Finally, the time comes for him to get married, and this deals Charu a devastating blow.

The New Yorker

What chance that the Filipino shatters the '0' with one devastating blow?

Independent

So, does any of this sound like a devastating blow to seniors' health care?

The New York Times

This book delivers a devastating blow to the former President's reputation.

Forbes

This was a devastating blow.

The New York Times

It was a devastating blow.

Independent

It's a devastating blow".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devastating blow", ensure the context clearly establishes the magnitude of the negative impact being described. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences to maintain its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "devastating blow" to describe situations that are merely disappointing or inconvenient. This weakens the phrase's impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for truly significant negative events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devastating blow" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as the subject or object of a verb. Ludwig AI confirms that it effectively conveys a significant and harmful impact. It describes an event or news with dire consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devastating blow" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe a significantly negative event or setback. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates the severity and impact of a situation, predominantly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context warrants its strong connotation to avoid exaggeration. Alternatives like "crushing setback" or "severe setback" can be used depending on the desired level of intensity. While versatile, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone, best suited for professional or journalistic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crushing setback

Replaces "blow" with "setback", focusing on the hindering aspect of the negative event.

severe setback

Replaces "devastating" with "severe", reducing the intensity of the impact but maintaining a negative connotation.

major catastrophe

Shifts the focus to the catastrophic nature of the event, emphasizing widespread damage and destruction.

significant setback

Replaces "devastating" with "significant", softening the intensity of the impact while maintaining a negative connotation.

crippling effect

Focuses on the incapacitating consequences of the event, rather than the event itself.

crushing defeat

Emphasizes the sense of loss and failure associated with the negative event.

serious calamity

Highlights the disastrous nature of the event, invoking a sense of widespread suffering and misfortune.

major setback

Provides a more general term for a negative event that hinders progress.

disastrous consequence

Shifts the focus to the outcome of the event, emphasizing its negative and harmful effects.

grave misfortune

Emphasizes the unfortunate and unfavorable nature of the event, highlighting a sense of bad luck.

FAQs

How can I use "devastating blow" in a sentence?

The phrase "devastating blow" is used to describe a significantly negative event or setback. For example, "The news of the factory closure was a devastating blow to the town's economy."

What are some alternatives to using "devastating blow"?

You can use alternatives like "crushing setback", "severe setback", or "major catastrophe" depending on the context.

Is "devastating blow" an overused phrase?

While "devastating blow" is a common phrase, it is appropriate when describing a truly significant negative impact. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences to maintain its impact.

What's the difference between "devastating blow" and "setback"?

"Devastating blow" implies a much stronger and more damaging impact than a simple "setback". A setback is a temporary delay or hindrance, while a devastating blow suggests a more profound and lasting negative effect.