ferocious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'ferocious' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person, animal, or situation that is violent, aggressive, and fierce. Example sentence: The lion growled ferociously as the zookeeper entered the enclosure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His ferocious straight drives scattered the non-striker, umpire and bowler like so many skittles.

The Guardian - Sport

Every rhythmic lurch and stylistic shift, though, remains in the service of the band's greater groove, giving these 10 tracks an ease that belies their ferocious complexity".

The Guardian - Music

Many had predicted recognition for Whiplash's editing and best supporting actor (JK Simmons), but Damien Chazelle's taut drama about a ferocious drum teacher also scored best picture, best sound editing and best adapted screenplay nominations.

The Guardian - Film

Rival contenders included Whiplash, starring JK Simmons as a ferocious drum teacher, which first premiered at Sundance in January, where it took both jury and audience awards, and St Vincent, a Bill Murray comedy which met with a delighted reception.

The Guardian - Film

The No campaigners are caricatured as rightwing and elderly, denounced by the likes of George Monbiot (no spring chicken) in ferocious, moralising terms – as he did the No camp in the Welsh referendum.

The Guardian

For one so young his self-belief was astonishing, and he was possessed of a truly ferocious competitive spirit.

The Guardian - Sport

Our students, all state educated, come from extremely diverse backgrounds and have impressed us time and again with their ferocious commitment to making the world a better place.

The Guardian - Opinion

And yet the calf did appear to soften what Cockerell calls Thatcher's "ferocious" image at the time: the Conservatives won the election, as well as virtually every seat in East Anglia.

The Guardian

Australia's best known radio DJ has launched a ferocious attack on female politicians, including the prime minister, Julia Gillard, reigniting the debate on sexism in the country's politics.

The Guardian

Walker, who was re-elected for a second term in November, has emerged as a conservative hero after cutting public spending and implementing anti-union legislation amid ferocious protests from liberal activists.

The Guardian

That they finished the match with their advantage reduced by Sone Aluko's ferocious second-half volley was attributable largely to their apparently having become bored with the ease of their authority and, perhaps, with the intention of conserving energy for the Champions League meeting with Arsenal on Tuesday.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ferocious", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended level of intensity or aggression. It's a powerful word, so use it judiciously to avoid exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "ferocious" to describe situations that are merely difficult or challenging but lack genuine intensity or violence. This can dilute the word's impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ferocious" is as an adjective. As stated by Ludwig AI, it modifies nouns to describe something marked by extreme and violent energy or intensity. This can be applied to animals, people, or even abstract concepts like storms or debates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "ferocious" is a powerful descriptor used to convey extreme intensity, violence, or aggression. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It appears frequently in news, formal writing, and scientific contexts, indicating a relatively neutral register. While synonyms like "fierce" and "intense" offer alternatives, "ferocious" specifically emphasizes unrestrained force. When using "ferocious", it's essential to consider the context to avoid hyperbole and ensure the word accurately reflects the situation's severity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fierce

Emphasizes intensity and potential for violence, similar to ferocious but sometimes used in a more controlled context.

savage

Highlights the brutality and lack of restraint, often associated with wildness.

intense

Focuses on the high degree or strength of something, whether it's emotion, effort, or force.

violent

Directly indicates the use of physical force to cause harm or damage.

aggressive

Suggests a proactive and forceful approach, often in competition or conflict.

brutal

Emphasizes the harshness and cruelty of an action or situation.

ruthless

Indicates a lack of compassion or pity, suggesting a determination to succeed at any cost.

untamed

Highlights the wild and uncontrolled nature of something, suggesting it is not domesticated or subdued.

unrestrained

Focuses on the lack of limits or controls, suggesting a free and unchecked expression.

extreme

Indicates a very high degree or intensity, pushing beyond the ordinary or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "ferocious" in a sentence?

You can use "ferocious" to describe the intensity of an attack, the strength of a storm, or the passion of a debate. For instance, "The dog had a "fierce" bark".

What words can I use instead of "ferocious"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "intense", "savage", "violent", or "aggressive".

Is it appropriate to describe a debate as "ferocious"?

Yes, describing a debate as "ferocious" suggests a high level of energy and passion, indicating a strong and possibly heated exchange of ideas.

What's the difference between "ferocious" and "fierce"?

"Ferocious" often implies a more unrestrained and violent energy, while "fierce" can suggest a determined and powerful, but not necessarily violent, nature.