drastic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "drastic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is severe, extreme or drastic in nature. For example: "The pandemic has had a drastic impact on the global economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drastic cuts in public spending any time soon, as proposed by several of these candidates, look wildly irresponsible given the headwinds the US economy is facing from abroad.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only if that capacity were used up would National Grid be forced to consider dimming lights, telling companies to reduce energy use or other drastic measures, Fletcher said.

The Guardian - Business

The decline of the marsh fritillary vividly demonstrates the drastic loss of 97% of UK wildflower meadows since the second world war.

The Guardian - Opinion

Giving evidence to the committee, the chancellor defended the drastic action he was forced to take to get the country out of the "financial danger zone".

The Guardian

Pensioners will have their pensions cut, they will have to work for longer, we will see a drastic reduction in public-sector jobs and public services.

The Guardian

The drastic cut was part of a Dutch government decision taken last year to slash the culture budget of €800m by 25%%.

The Guardian

Dinosaurs embody the drastic changes that life on Earth has undergone, and give us access to some of the most powerful truths our species has come to understand – that our planet has an incredibly deep history, that life has changed constantly through time, and that extinction is the fate of all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Without such a long-term context to short-term decision-making, short-term targets risk being inconsistent with long-term plans, ultimately necessitating more drastic mitigation strategies in the future to counteract earlier policy short-sightedness," it said.

The Guardian

We must be the party of drastic political reform.

The Guardian - Opinion

How, for instance, Great Britain, which hastily drew arbitrary lines in the sand in too many places, condemning hundreds of millions of people across the world, from Ireland to Kashmir, Sudan to Palestine, to decades of violence and hatred, should now be facing drastic scission.

The Guardian - Opinion

Former SDLP Vice-Chairman Tom Kelly wrote a courageous newspaper piece right after the elections, facing up to the result, but proposing drastic strategic change for his party, if a fight-back was to be possible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drastic" to emphasize the severity or intensity of a situation or action. For example, "drastic measures" are used when less forceful approaches are insufficient.

Common error

Avoid using "drastic" to describe minor adjustments or changes. Reserve it for situations where the impact is truly significant and far-reaching.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "drastic" primarily functions to modify nouns, emphasizing the extreme or severe nature of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to describe actions or measures taken as a last resort or in response to critical situations. It highlights the intensity and potential impact of the described noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "drastic" is a versatile term used to describe actions, measures, or changes that are extreme, severe, and often implemented as a last resort. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Its frequency and common usage in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts showcase its relevance in professional and informative settings. The word's ability to convey seriousness and urgency makes it an essential element in describing situations that require significant intervention. Overall, "drastic" is a reliable choice when precision and impact are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe

Implies a serious or stern nature, often suggesting something unpleasant or harsh.

extreme

Signifies the furthest point from the norm, indicating intensity or excess.

radical

Suggests a fundamental or revolutionary change, often departing from traditional norms.

significant

Highlights importance or consequence, indicating a notable impact.

substantial

Indicates a considerable amount or degree, often related to tangible quantities.

far-reaching

Emphasizes the extensive impact or influence across a broad scope.

sweeping

Suggests a wide-ranging and comprehensive effect, often covering many aspects.

stringent

Implies strictness and rigor, often related to rules, regulations, or requirements.

forceful

Indicates strength and assertiveness, often describing actions or expressions.

transformative

Highlights the ability to cause a major change in form or nature.

FAQs

How to use "drastic" in a sentence?

You can use "drastic" to describe actions or measures that are extreme and usually implemented as a last resort. For example, "The company took "drastic measures" to cut costs".

What can I say instead of "drastic"?

You can use alternatives like "severe", "extreme", or "radical" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "drastic change" or "dramatic change"?

Both "drastic change" and "dramatic change" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Drastic change" implies a more forceful and significant alteration, while "dramatic change" suggests a more visually or emotionally striking transformation.

What's the difference between "drastic" and "significant"?

"Drastic" implies a forceful or extreme measure, often suggesting a last resort. "Significant", on the other hand, simply means important or notable. A change can be "significant" without being "drastic".