fatally wounded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fatally wounded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has sustained injuries that are likely to result in death. Example: "The soldier was fatally wounded during the battle and did not survive the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ramy Naser, 15, was also fatally wounded.

The New York Times

At present, it looks fatally wounded.

The Economist

Minutes later, Mr. Cisse was fatally wounded.

The New York Times

The 18-year-old is fatally wounded.

The New York Times

Mr. Abram's presidency was fatally wounded.

The New York Times

Minna is fatally wounded and left in a dumpster.

The Economist

Can they become righteously indignant without being fatally wounded?

The New York Times

Hitler fatally wounded its spirit after assuming power, in 1933.

The New Yorker

The suspect was hit by gunshots and was fatally wounded.

The New York Times

But all four hostages were already dead or fatally wounded.

The New York Times

The store's owner and a pedestrian were fatally wounded.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of events on non-living entities like political movements or organizations, consider more metaphorical language such as "fatally undermined" or "fatally damaged" instead of "fatally wounded".

Common error

Avoid using "fatally wounded" too casually in metaphorical contexts where a less severe term would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "his argument was fatally wounded", consider "his argument was seriously weakened."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fatally wounded" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, typically a person or animal, to indicate they have sustained injuries that will likely lead to death. This is confirmed by Ludwig which shows examples like "Ramy Naser, 15, was also fatally wounded."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fatally wounded" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe injuries likely to result in death. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, particularly in news and historical contexts. While it's generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in metaphorical scenarios, where alternatives like "fatally undermined" might be more fitting. Synonyms include "mortally wounded" and "critically injured", offering nuanced ways to express the severity of the injury. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fatally injured

A more direct and simpler phrasing, emphasizing the mortal consequences.

mortally wounded

Synonymous, but may carry a slightly more formal or literary tone.

sustained mortal wounds

Highlights the receiving or enduring of injuries leading to death.

lethally injured

A direct synonym, emphasizing the death-causing potential of the injuries.

critically injured

Focuses on the severity of the injury and the immediate need for medical attention.

grievously injured

Emphasizes the painful and severe nature of the injury.

irreparably harmed

Shifts focus to the lasting damage, whether physical or abstract.

near death

Describes the state of being close to death, implying severe injury or illness.

on the verge of death

Similar to "near death", highlighting the imminence of mortality.

close to death

Expresses the proximity to death resulting from severe trauma.

FAQs

What does "fatally wounded" mean?

The phrase "fatally wounded" describes a state of being injured in such a severe way that death is likely or certain to occur as a result of the injury.

What are some synonyms for "fatally wounded"?

Alternatives to "fatally wounded" include phrases like "mortally wounded", "critically injured", or "lethally injured". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How is "fatally wounded" different from "seriously injured"?

"Fatally wounded" implies that death is imminent or highly probable due to the severity of the injury. "Seriously injured" indicates a severe injury, but without the same implication of impending death. The patient can recover from being seriously injured.

Can I use "fatally wounded" to describe damage to objects or abstract concepts?

While "fatally wounded" primarily applies to living beings, it can be used metaphorically to describe something irreversibly damaged or ruined. Alternatives like "fatally damaged" or "fatally undermined" might be more fitting in such contexts.