devastation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "devastation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "devastation" to describe an overwhelming feeling of ruin, destruction, and devastation caused by a natural disaster or other event. For example, you might say, "The earthquake caused complete devastation to the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The devastation wrought by the impact almost certainly explains the sudden death of the land-based dinosaurs, according to fresh analysis of the latest data.

The Guardian

In such moments natural beauty becomes a kind of devastation – it is pure encounter, too compressed in time and space to be properly contained.

The Guardian - Books

For many, Easington is shorthand for the devastation wreaked by Thatcher on whole industries and communities.

The Guardian

Even with the polls pointing to electoral devastation, Labor's aversion to its former leader was so strong, it did not support him in two previous ballots - one in February 2012 that he lost 71 to 31 and one in March 2013 when he didn't even stand.

The Guardian

An environmental devastation has been produced by the ceaseless pursuit of profit from data-mining in every legal way imaginable.

The Guardian - Tech

The International Monetary Fund estimate of a 5.5% decline in gross domestic product this year looks wildly optimistic given hyper-inflation and the devastation caused to the eastern half of the country.

The Guardian

We expected the devastation of antiquities and it hasn't happened.

The Guardian

It also represented the serious anger many feel about cuts to universities as they currently stand, and the ideological devastation of the education system if the coalition gets its way.

The Guardian - Opinion

1.00pm BSyria AnalysisAnalysis produced by the American Association for the Advancement of Science AAASS) in collaboration with the Science for Human Rights program of Amnesty International has revealed the extent of the devastation in Syria's largest city, Aleppo.

The Guardian

The artist made a film to go alongside the works, documenting the devastation wrought by Israeli militia and bombing campaigns.

The Guardian - Arts

The agency blames the network for 20% of the deforestation in Brazil's Amazon in recent years, though the statement issued on Monday did not provide the estimated scale of the devastation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devastation", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the scale and nature of the destruction. Using strong verbs like 'wreaked' or 'caused' can further emphasize the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "devastation" to describe minor setbacks or inconveniences. Reserve it for situations involving significant destruction or suffering to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "devastation" is as a noun. It refers to the act or result of devastating something, denoting a state of ruin or destruction. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "devastation" is a noun used to describe widespread destruction or ruin. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts, denoting significant damage caused by events like natural disasters or policy failures. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's crucial to reserve "devastation" for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong term, avoiding overuse in milder scenarios. Alternatives like "destruction", "ruin", or "cataclysm" can provide nuanced substitutes depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total destruction

Emphasizes the completeness of the destruction.

utter ruin

Highlights the state of complete collapse and disrepair.

widespread destruction

Focuses on the extent and scope of the destruction.

complete annihilation

Suggests the total obliteration of something.

severe damage

Underlines the intensity and seriousness of the harm caused.

catastrophic loss

Emphasizes the immense negative impact and the sense of irretrievability.

utter desolation

Highlights the emptiness and barrenness resulting from the destruction.

extreme havoc

Emphasizes the chaos and disorder caused by the destructive event.

overwhelming destruction

Focuses on the magnitude and intensity of the destruction.

tragic decimation

Highlights the severe reduction in number or scale, often with a sense of sorrow.

FAQs

How can I use "devastation" in a sentence?

You can use "devastation" to describe events causing widespread damage or destruction, like, "The hurricane caused widespread "devastation" along the coast."

What words are similar to "devastation"?

Alternatives to "devastation" include "destruction", "ruin", "cataclysm", and "annihilation", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "devastation" in a formal context?

Yes, "devastation" is appropriate in formal contexts such as news reports, academic papers, and business reports when describing significant damage or destruction. However, ensure the scale warrants such a strong term.

What's the difference between "devastation" and "damage"?

"Devastation" implies a more severe and widespread level of destruction than "damage". Damage can refer to minor harm, while "devastation" suggests widespread ruin and suffering.