devastating passion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devastating passion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense and overwhelming feeling of love or enthusiasm that has a profound impact, often with a sense of loss or destruction. Example: "Her devastating passion for art drove her to create masterpieces, but it also left her emotionally drained and vulnerable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He plumbed the dark recesses of the human soul with films of serial murder and devastating passion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The lover may be far away, or a troubled memory, or an overwhelming presence; the singer is at once exalted and devastated by a passion she can compare only to sin and salvation.

The New York Times - Arts

"Stuff like this is devastating to the hope and passion that fuels the volunteers that made the president's 2008 campaign so unique and successful".

The New York Times - Science

Our journey with this devastating heart disease is why we have a shared passion for helping children with cardiomyopathy.

HuffPost

Despite the difficulties imposed by devastating wars and catastrophic earthquakes, BANTAO has flourished through the passion and commitment of nephrologists to their patients and to renal science [ 5].

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Frederica von Stade is devastating as De Rocher's desperate mother, while Patrick Summers' conducting is exceptional in its passion and commitment.

The Guardian - Music

Devastating at the time, the experience of not being able to pursue my passion gave me a frightening glimpse of what it would mean to ignore my instinct.

Huffington Post

The fatal collision raised concerns over the dangers of storm chasing while devastating the storm-chaser community, as all three men were remembered for their unrivaled passion for treacherous weather.

The Washington Post

For now, Mia Farrow and Brian Dennehy, who appear through Oct. 10, set a high bar: Farrow is winningly impatient in her girlhood scenes and devastating in her later ones, while Dennehy paints an anguished portrait of success devoid of passion.

The New Yorker

WHEN Arthur Aitkens had a devastating horse-riding accident in 1988, he had no idea that it would reunite him with music, his childhood passion.

The New York Times

The operation in the West Bank has found considerable support among Israelis since a devastating suicide bombing of a Passover Seder on March 27, and military funerals on Wednesday are certain to arouse more passions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "devastating passion" to describe a strong emotion that has significant, sometimes negative, consequences for the individual or those around them. Ensure the context supports the intensity implied by "devastating".

Common error

Avoid using "devastating passion" for mild or fleeting interests. The word "devastating" implies a profound impact, so reserve it for situations where the passion truly has overwhelming consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devastating passion" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "devastating" intensifies the noun "passion". It suggests that the passion is not only strong but also has a significant, potentially destructive impact. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devastating passion" describes a powerful emotion that has a significant, and often negative, impact. While grammatically correct and found in reliable sources, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring the context warrants the intensity implied by "devastating". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English, suitable in neutral to formal contexts, and is designed to add emphasis to strong emotions and dedicated intent. Alternatives like "overwhelming fervor" or "intense ardor" might be suitable if a less intense connotation is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consuming passion

More commonly used but similar in conveying intense emotion

overwhelming fervor

Emphasizes the intensity and consuming nature of the feeling.

intense ardor

Focuses on the burning enthusiasm and deep affection.

consuming zeal

Highlights the all-encompassing dedication and energy.

uncontrollable desire

Stresses the lack of restraint and powerful longing.

fierce dedication

Conveys a strong commitment and unwavering resolve.

unbridled enthusiasm

Highlights the unrestrained and exuberant expression of feeling.

consuming infatuation

Implies a short-lived and often irrational obsession.

unyielding commitment

Focuses on steadfastness and refusal to compromise.

blinding obsession

Suggests an irrational fixation that obscures other considerations.

FAQs

What does "devastating passion" mean?

The phrase "devastating passion" describes an intense feeling or enthusiasm that has a significant, often overwhelming or destructive, impact. It suggests that the passion is so strong it can lead to negative consequences.

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

You can use "devastating passion" to describe someone's intense dedication or love for something, particularly when it leads to significant personal sacrifice or turmoil. For instance, "Her "devastating passion" for her art led her to neglect other aspects of her life."

What are some alternatives to "devastating passion"?

Alternatives include phrases like "overwhelming fervor", "intense ardor", or "consuming zeal", which convey a similar sense of intensity without necessarily implying negative consequences.

Is it always negative to have a "devastating passion"?

While the phrase implies negative consequences due to the intensity of the emotion, it doesn't always have to be entirely negative. It often suggests a bittersweet scenario where the passion drives great achievement but at a personal cost.