genuinely devastating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "genuinely devastating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is truly or sincerely heartbreaking or destructive, often in an emotional context. Example: "The news of the disaster was genuinely devastating for the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Like a super-vivid Grandstand highlights package, but feature-length, thrilling, and genuinely devastating at the end.

The Guardian

genuinely devastating news https://t.co/5bO3opBbLz.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ovechkin was ultimately gracious in defeat, and seemed genuinely devastated.

The New Yorker

You feel genuinely devastated because of the impact you've had.

The Guardian

They all look genuinely devastated, which you know is coming from a place of real emotion given they're not exactly the best bunch of actors.

Independent

As Tommy, he's shorn and angry, spitting with rage and hatred, but also genuinely devastated at the news – so badly delivered by the prison chaplain – of his mum's death.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Practice genuinely complimenting girls.

WikiHow

Perhaps most bravely, she turns her magnifying glass inwards on Never Grow Up: the gradual way in which it becomes clear that she's singing to herself is devastating and genuinely uncomfortable.

The Guardian - Music

Looting? #devastated Genuinely sad that Jason Orange has quit Take That.

Independent

Quietly devastating.

Independent

Devastating, even.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "genuinely devastating" to emphasize the sincerity and intensity of the devastation, making sure the context supports such a strong emotional expression.

Common error

Avoid using "genuinely devastating" for minor inconveniences; reserve it for situations causing significant emotional or real-world harm to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genuinely devastating" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that causes significant emotional or physical destruction. As Ludwig confirms, it conveys a sense of authentic and intense ruin.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "genuinely devastating" is an adjectival phrase used to describe something that is truly and deeply ruinous. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to express sincere and intense feelings of devastation. While its frequency is rare, the phrase appears most often in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for significant events or situations to maintain its emotional impact. Consider alternatives like "truly heartbreaking" or "utterly crushing" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly heartbreaking

Replaces "devastating" with a synonym that emphasizes the emotional impact of sadness.

utterly crushing

Emphasizes the complete and overwhelming nature of the negative impact.

sincerely ruinous

Replaces "genuinely" and "devastating" with more formal and emphatic synonyms.

deeply distressing

Focuses on the profound emotional discomfort caused by something.

absolutely tragic

Highlights the sorrowful and lamentable nature of the event or situation.

exceptionally calamitous

Uses more formal language to describe a disastrous event.

genuinely catastrophic

Substitutes devastating with the word catastrophic

profoundly destructive

Focuses on the deep and far-reaching negative effects of something.

heartrendingly awful

Uses more emotive language to convey the sense of pain and suffering.

unquestionably grievous

Emphasizes the serious and severe nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "genuinely devastating" to describe events or news that cause significant emotional distress or ruin. For example, "The news of the disaster was "genuinely devastating" for the entire community."

What are some alternatives to "genuinely devastating"?

Alternatives include "truly heartbreaking", "utterly crushing", or "deeply distressing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "genuinely devastating" in formal writing?

While "genuinely devastating" is acceptable, consider stronger or more formal synonyms like "sincerely ruinous" or "exceptionally calamitous" for academic or professional contexts to maintain a serious tone.

What distinguishes "genuinely devastating" from "devastating"?

The word "genuinely" emphasizes the sincerity and depth of the feeling. Using "genuinely" suggests the devastation is not only present but deeply felt and real, unlike simply saying "devastating" which could be perceived as less emphatic.